Earlier today, Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was named among the starting XI for the Philippines as they took on Uzbekistan in their latest round of qualification matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Azkals, who had won their two opening qualification matches (2-1 Bahrain, and 2-0 over Yemen) suffered an early setback in today's game as FC Krasnodar midfielder Odil Ahmedov slotted home within the first minute of the game
El Jaish striker Sardor Rashidov doubled Uzbekistan's lead after fourteen minutes of play, with a stunning strike that gave Etheridge little chance of saving.
Uzbekistan grabbed a third goal with a few minutes of the half remaining as Pakhtakor Tashkent forward Igor Sergeev scored giving the Azkals much to think about at the break.
Uzbekistan notched their fourth goal of the game with sixty-five minutes gone as Sergeev grabbed his second goal of the contest.
There was some respite for the hosts as Greuther Fürth defensive midfielder Stephan Schröck got one back with a freekick around twenty minutes from full-time.
Rashidov grabbed his second and Uzbekistan's fifth goal of the game with ten minutes remaining, a superb left-footed curling effort as his side really turned the screw.
Uzbekistan grabbed a third goal with a few minutes of the half remaining as Pakhtakor Tashkent forward Igor Sergeev scored giving the Azkals much to think about at the break.
Uzbekistan notched their fourth goal of the game with sixty-five minutes gone as Sergeev grabbed his second goal of the contest.
There was some respite for the hosts as Greuther Fürth defensive midfielder Stephan Schröck got one back with a freekick around twenty minutes from full-time.
Rashidov grabbed his second and Uzbekistan's fifth goal of the game with ten minutes remaining, a superb left-footed curling effort as his side really turned the screw.
2018 FIFA WORLD CUP | AFC QUALIFICATION | GROUP H | RESULT
PHILIPPINES 1 - 5 UZBEKISTAN
GOALS | Schröck - Ahmedov, Sergeev (2), Rashidov (2)
ATTENDANCE | 7.500
AT | Philippine Sports Stadium, Bocaue