Philippines holds China to draw at FIFA World Cup qualifier

BACOLOD, the Philippines - Former English Premier League goalkeeper Neil Etheridge's outstanding performance helped the Philippines men's national football team to hold China to a scoreless draw in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier at the Panaad Stadium here on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Filipino, who missed the hosts' first two games due to injury, delivered a standout game on goal with several saves at stoppage time on Hao Junmin's strike, while captain Stephan Schrock led by example with a workmanlike display as the Azkals achieved their biggest result to date.

China had one final attempt to leave the Panaad Stadium with a win, but their last-second corner at 91st minute went straight into the hands of Etheridge to seal the draw and secure the point.