Azkals must hurdle Thais to enter semis

MANILA, Philippines – The targeted semifinal seat in the 2016 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup is still within reach but in order to get their hands on it, the Philippine Azkals will have to do something historic: Beat Thailand.

“We know we have to play very, very well against a Thailand side we’ve never ever beaten so we know if we’re gonna qualify, we need to make history,” said Azkals captain Phil Younghusband of their make-or-break Group A showdown with the already-qualified War Elephants on Friday night.

The Philippines and Thailand have squared off 14 times since 1971 and the Thais won all but one of them. The best the Filipinos had managed so far was a goalless draw in the first leg of the 2014 Suzuki Cup semifinals, which was played at Rizal Memorial Stadium. 

After two playing days, the Pinoy booters stand at second in the group table with two points built around back-to-back draws with Singapore (0-0) and Indonesia (2-2), enjoying inside track in the race for the No. 2 against the Lions (1 point) and the Merah Putih (1 point).

The home side can wrap up it all  with a for-the-ages performance and a milestone victory against the unbeaten Thais (six points on 2-0-0). A draw against Thailand could be enough but Phl XI has to wish that Singapore and Indonesia also play to a standoff in Friday’s other Group A slate to gain entry to the Last-4.

“We still have a chance, we just have to do something against Thailand… we have to see to it that the players will be there fighting, wanting blood, playing nice combinations, creating some chances, too. The team will be ready for sure,” said coach Thomas Dooley.