Azkals face tough Thais in crucial tiff

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals seek to weather the storm as they battle defending champion Thailand in a high-stakes Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup matchup they host tonight at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod amid forecast rains from tropical depression Samuel.

Coming off a 1-0 verdict over Singapore and a close shave against minnows Timor-Leste (3-2), the Pinoy booters recognize the need to shift to high gear in the 7:30 p.m. Group B showdown with the powerhouse War Elephants if they want to improve their chances of getting a good result and closing in on a semifinal stint.

The Azkals’ defense line, which survived a sloppy showing in the stretch of the duel with Timorese, faces an acid test against the Thais, who have netted 11 goals overall from their triumphs over Timor Leste (7-0) and Indonesia (4-2).

 “We need to look back in the game (against Timor Leste) and get some things straightened,” Fil-Danish Michael Falkesgaard, who took goalkeeping duties from regular Neil Etheridge against the Timorese, said in the Suzuki Cup’s website. 

“It wasn’t good enough, the players know it, it doesn’t feel like a victory because of the way we played. We’re going to meet an opponent that has quality to make it hard for us and we need to prepare for that and be better,” added the keeper who plays in the Thai League.