The Philippine Azkals flirted with the biggest surprise in the history of football in the country should be countered by a Kuwaiti side which proved too strong, even with 10 men.
Driven by an adoring crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, the Azkals set up a last stand, but again below the central Al Azraq, 1-2, ending their World Cup ambitions in 2014.
Despite reaching the second round is already a feat in itself for Azkals, which a year ago barely merited attention. It marked the first time Azkals reached the second round of qualifying for the showpiece event of the sport.
Thirty minutes to display a phrase that could have sent shock waves through the footballing world entails Azkals already nil, he could not finish the job.
They admitted the only goal moments after going a man down and stick has a counter-attack later in a heartbreaking end to what is a historical path of the second round of qualifiers.
Need a miracle to recast a loss of 0-3 in the first inning Saturday night in Kuwait, Azkals received a ray of hope by Stephan Schrock, boiling Fil-German midfielder, who has been in the target of a rocket from 25 yards in the third minute of first half injury.
"We are delighted to win the supporters of the team and the country, from Kuwait, but we knew we had a different level," said Dan fan Azkals Management. "We learn from this experience and I hope that next year we can achieve more."
"The team did a good job, have done their best. We are proud of them," said the head of the Philippine Football Federation, Mariano "Nonong" Araneta.
Schrock, which traces its roots Parang North Cotabato, but grew up in Nuremberg in Germany, had returned with the conviction that Azkals was always something with them to overcome the Kuwaitis.
"I would come home if I do not think you could do," said Schrock, who made his first goal for his country "is Nanay".
Still struggling with the euphoria of scoring a goal against a team ranked 67 places ahead of them in international football rankings, bent Azkals pressure against the attack early in the second half.
Phil Younghusband could have doubled the lead, but his right foot effort from just inside the box was again rejected by Kuwait goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Khaldi, who had foiled the attacker twice in the Azkals first race in Kuwait.
Azkals made a roller coaster ride of emotions from the space of two minutes, 60 when Fahed El-Ibrahim, was shown a red card Tackle Chieffy Caligdong.
A few moments later El-Ibrahim received his orders, Kuwait equalized. Naser Yousef, who was replaced, found plenty of 30 meters, and he shot past goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
beauty and the cruelty of football
The objective remains the public Azkals in stunned silence.
"I think the two games have shown how beautiful and how football can be cruel," said coach Michael Weiss Azkals.
"Everybody was on the last drop of petrol in the tank. We spent a lot and sacrificed. It is sad that we could not finish the job. It was obvious that we have done our best."
Banks have a swift counterattack, Al Azraq was still experimental and dangerous Walied Ali 85 minutes, finally a player to sleep Etheridge is a one-on-one.
Azkals match became a safe return to Schrock and skipper Aly Borromeo year suspension. But Al-Azraq pick up where they left off the first leg, dominated possession and many chances to get the first 45 minutes.
El-Ibrahim was a long-range shot was trimmed away Etheridge in 23 minutes, and Kuwait is tantalizingly close to four minutes later, when Yousef just sent his effort over the bar from the cross of Waleed.
Angel Guirado saw his header sail over the bar start and Rob Gier is also saved by Nawaf head in the 10th minute.
