Lux washes Philippines away

Dubai - Vitalij Lux whipped up a hat trick as The White Falcons prevailed 3-1 in Group C

Kyrgyzstan kept their hopes alive in the AFC Asian Cup for 24 hours, at the least, following victory over the Philippines on Wednesday night.
Vitalij Lux whipped up a hat trick as The White Falcons prevailed 3-1 in Group C at the Rashid Stadium.
The 29-year-old Lux scored on 24, 51 and 77 minutes, while Stephan Schrock pulled one back for the Azkals with a header, 10 minutes from time.
The win helped them stay in the competition for a day until the remaining fixtures play out on Thursday night.
The remaining four matches will determine the last available slots for the round of 16.
Meanwhile, it was a bitter end for the Philippines with Sven Goran Eriksson's side unable to make an impression in their final game.
Kyrgyzstan were up and ahead on 24 minutes with Lux nestling his shot into the top right corner of the net following an assist from Akhlidin Israilov.
Lux could've added a second in the final minute of added time in the half but his shot from really close hit the onrushing goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard, who saved with his body.
The Philippines started the second half well with Schrock darting down the middle only to see the defence make a timely clearance before he could have a crack.
At the other end, Liz was to add cushion to the lead with him turning around and firing home after Bekzhan Sagynbaev had passed from the left.
The Azkals had another attempt on 54 minutes with Manuel Ott chatting down the middle before Javier Patino attempted a shot. But his effort was saved by goalkeeper Kutman Kadyrbekov.
Lux made merry by getting his and the team's third by slotting in the rebound after Mirlan Murzaev's effort had hit the woodwork.
The Philippines got a consolation goal through Schrock.
james@khaleejtimes.com