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

The 29-year-old Filipino, who missed the hosts' first two qualifying 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 Philippines achieved their biggest result to date.

"It's nice to come back and play in the national team. It's been a long time being out just due to the international date and make a coming back from injury," said Etheridge during the post-game press conference.

"I'm satisfied with the player's performance in the second half. If we played like that in the first half, we will score and win the game," said China's head coach Marcello Lippi after the match.

"Players have been misled by the one-sided wins in the previous games at the qualifiers, but the result proved that they are wrong," the Italian added.

Brazilian-born Ai Kesen joined La Liga side Espanyol striker Wu Lei in the start list with Yang Xu. Wei Shihao and Yang Liyu cut from the 23-man squad announced by Lippi few hours before the game kicks off.

"We pick nationals from the playing condition, not the position," said Lippi, stressing that he does not think cutting the strikers out is not acceptable.

The Philippines also had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock with two minutes left in injury time, but Schrock's attempt went high and wide.

With the win, the hosts secured their first point against China in three matches this year.

"We're gonna be moving forward, we're gonna be competing at the top Asian level, and today's result has shown that we can do that," said Scoot Cooper, the assistant coach to the Philippines.

Marcello Lippi commented that the team could have scored if they could play the whole game like they did in the second half, and that the players would definitely put more effort in the next game. 

China's 0-0 draw with the Philippines meant they dropped down to second in Group A on seven points, two behind Syria, who beat Guam 4-0 to maintain their perfect start, with Omar Al Somah scoring a hat-trick.

China will be playing Syria away on November 14, while the Philippines continue their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Maldives away from home.

(With input from agencies)