BACOLOD — The Philippines faces its first big test right in its first match in the 23rd SEA Games men’s football competitions as it opens its campaign versus regional power and defending champion Thailand at the Panaad Sport Complex here.
Should the RP booters fare well in the 4:30 p.m. contest that is likely to draw a capacity crowd, then they could really be on their way to achieving their very first medal in the biennial meet.
For the record, the RP XI’s best finish ever in the Games was fourth in Manila in 1991. The Nationals highlighted their strong performance then with an upset of then reigning champion Malaysia during the prelims.
With the team’s extensive preparation, their Fil-foreign recruits and the hometown crowd, RP football officials are optimistic the Nationals can very well surpass their 1991 showing.
But they face an tough challenge against the Thais in their debut, although coach Aris Caslib doesn’t rule out the possibility of his team pulling the rug from under the title-holder.
"We have a chance but we really have to work hard for it," said Caslib.
Caslib pointed out that the results of the most recent RP-Thailand matches were clear indications that the RP XI has been improving.
"We fought them to a scoreless draw in the recent under-21 Bolkiah Cup in Brunei. In the last year’s Tiger Cup, we lost 1-3 but we’re able to score the first goal of the match," said Caslib.
Thai coach Chanvit Pocchivin himself expressed deep concern versus the Philippines.
"We’re really pressured because they’re the hosts and they have six (Fil-)foreign players in their lineup.
We’re not prepared with the foreign players because we’ve not done any scouting. We just knew about them when we arrived Sunday," said Pocchivin.
With the Philippines’ six Fil-foreign recruits including Chelsea FC reserves James and Phil Younghusband, the Thai coach considers the host together with Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam as the biggest threats to their throne.
It’s no secret, though, that although the Thais don’t have big-time players in their lineup, the team has had extensive buildup, including series of exhibition games against Real Madrid and Premier League teams Everton and Bolton.
The Thais beat Everton in a penalty shootout and just yielded a 0-1 defeat to Bolton. They were whipped by Real Madrid, 0-3.