Azkals seek super storm of a reversal vs Thais

Match tonight (Rizal Memorial Stadium)

8 p.m. – Philippines vs Thailand

MANILA, Philippines - A defiant Philippine Azkals declared readiness to ride the storm against favored Thailand as they host their long-time tormentors tonight in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 semifinal at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Azkals enter the 8 p.m. first leg matchup as the overwhelming underdogs versus a side that swept Group B and one they haven’t beaten in 14 games over the last 43 years but that doesn’t dampen their spirits one bit.

“We don’t fear Thailand. We respect them, we know how good, how strong they are. But we won’t go in fearing them; we’ll go in there having the confidence that we can beat them,” said striker Phil Younghusband.

Team manager Dan Palami said Phl XI has enough motivation to dish out a strong showing before the home crowd and get a favorable result before heading to Bangkok for the second leg.

“We’re playing at home in front of our kababayans who might brave the rains (from typhoon Hagupit) to watch the game and that’s one good motivation. We’re a step closer to another milestone in the Azkals history books and we hope that we get to the finals,” he said.

“Also we haven’t beaten Thailand since 1971 and certainly that’s a big motivation for the team. This team has achieved a lot breakthroughs recently and we hope beating Thailand for the first time in 43 years will be one of these firsts,” he added.

The War Elephants will come in as motivated, wishing to give Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej a fitting present for his 87th birthday yesterday.

“It’s not an easy game for us because Philippines played well in the group stage and they have skills and good technique. We’ll try our best for the Thai fans and for our King’s birthday,” said coach Kiatisuk Senamuang, a three-time Asean champion as player who scored some of his memorable goals against Phl XI.

Defender Juani Guirado (hamstring) won’t be fit for the game while Switzerland-based keeper Roland Muller couldn’t come over for the Manila fixture. However, Patrick Reichelt, who is recovering from a knee injury, may see action.

The Pinoy booters are in their third straight semifinal appearance and this time, they’re not content just being in the Last-4.

“Everyone’s stoked,” said captain Rob Gier. “We’re ready and we know the importance of this game. Also we wanna repay the Filipinos who stood by us all these years. I think it’s about time we went to that next step, get to the finals.”

Coach Thomas Dooley said if his wards can summon their form in a 4-0 thrashing of Indonesia in Group A action, they can pull it off.

“We have to be as focused as we were against Indonesia. I could see before that game the spark of the players, which was very important. And I can see the spark is there again. We need every player in each position to play 100 percent of his potential, do his job and we’ll have a chance,” he said.

Notes: With the threat of rain and winds from typhoon Hagupit looming, the decision on whether to proceed will be made on match day. The match commissioner has the call prior to the 8 p.m. kickoff while the referee decides while the match is ongoing.