The Philippines national football team has its backs against the wall when it faces defending champion Thailand in the final day of the AFF Suzuki Cup Group A fixtures on Friday night at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.
On the other hand, Indonesia and Singapore will simultaneously kick off its final match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. At stake with a win for either team will be an outright ticket to the semi-final round.
Kickoff time for both matches is at 8:00 p.m., Philippines time.
Having drawn its first two assignments, the only hope for the group hosts would be to win against the War Elephants, or a draw between Indonesia and Singapore should it salvage a draw or a one goal loss.
Thailand, on its part, is already through to the next phase after its wins over Indonesia (4-2) and Singapore (1-0) in its first two assignments.
Azkals Head Coach Thomas Dooley said that his wards should not be intimidated by Thailand’s stature in Asean football heading into the match. He also underscored the importance of attacking the team’s weary legs after having played three games in over a week.
Dooley also noted that the team rued the tactics made by Singapore in its opening match, saying that they could have played better than its performance. However, the team made up for the disappointing result on opening day with the 2-2 draw against Indonesia.
The last time the Philippines won over Thailand was on the country’s Independence Day in June 12, 1972. The nationals won via a 1-0 result in the game played in Jakarta, Indonesia. However, the Azkals have never won against the War Elephants in the Tiger Cup/Suzuki Cup.
