Indonesian coach wary of Phl Azkals

MANILA, Philippines - The coach of Indonesia, Alfred Reidl, considers the Philippine Azkals as a major threat along with host Vietnam in the battle for supremacy in Group A of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup on Nov. 22-28 in Hanoi.

Riedl gave the Vietnamese the edge in the race for the Top 2 in the bracket with the Azkals and his Indon wards crowding for the other semis spot and qualifier Laos looming as darkhorse.

“In my eyes, Vietnam are the favorites in the group because they have home advantage, and then I believe that either Indonesia or Philippines will make it through to the semis,” Reidle said in a report posted on the AFF Suzuki Cup’s website.

He said he’s aware of the progress the Azkals have enjoyed under new coach Thomas Dooley.

“The Philippines have a new coach (Thomas Dooley) and so many good players coming from abroad with very physical tactics that will make it difficult for us,” the Austrian mentor said.

He insisted that the Laotians, who placed runner-up in the qualifying tournament, shouldn’t be counted out as well.

“You also cannot underestimate Laos because they are strong and they have a good coach in David Booth.

“So it’s a very difficult group to predict and you cannot say for sure who will make it although I think that Vietnam might be the favorites to finish on top,” said Reidl who had three previous tours of duty as coach of the Vietnamese.

The Azkals hacked out 3-0 win over Nepal in a friendly in Doha, Qatar last Friday. They are slated to play Thailand in Nakhon Ratchasima on Nov. 9 and host Camdodia on Nov. 14 at Rizal Memorial to cap their buildup for the Suzuki Cup.