To many, the RP XI, reinforced by six Fil-foreign recruits, has proven it’s no longer a minnow in SEA Games football following its impressive stand against Thailand.
And that makes the Nationals the favorites against the Cambodians in their virtual knockout setto at 4:30 p.m.
"The team knows they’re now playing a higher level of game and they’re eager to win," said RP team coach Aris Caslib.
A win by the Nationals against the Cambodians will keep them in contention for the medal play, lining themselves up for another virtual sudden death against the Malaysian side on Nov. 29. A loss means ouster in the tourney after the elimination round.
For the record, the Philippines has yet to beat Cambodia ever. The RP XI’ best result in a game versus the Cambodians was a 1-1 tie in a Tiger Cup duel in 1998.
But football watchers here believe the Philippines could now be on its way to its first win over Cambodia considering what the two teams showed in their initial matches in the Games.
While the Philippines put tremendous pressure on Thailand, Cambodia turned to be easy prey for Malaysia, 2-5.
But Philippine Football Federation president Johnny Romualdez cautioned that beating Cambodia is easier said than done. "Though we’re favored because of our performance against Thailand, we must fight to the finish against Cambodia," he said.
Caslib said they made some adjustments in their game which he refused to reveal.
Defensively, Caslib said they have Cambodian players Kouch Sokumpheak, Keo Kosal and Pok Chan Than as marked men.
Meanwhile, the Thai football leaders were still talking about the big scare put up by the Philippines the morning after their match.
"I’m sorry for our fans that our performance was not that great. Our players showed a lot of discipline, but the Philippines has really improved a lot," said Thailand football president Vijitr Getkaew.
"They (the Thais) thought it was going to be easy but they came under pressure. We have to improve," said Thai coach Chanvit Phalajivin "We played with our 100-percent effort but the Philippines held its own."