Azkals look to defy odds versus Thais

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines faces a major test in its quest for the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals as it plays holder Thailand in hostile grounds tonight at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani.

The youth-laden Azkals, who spent Christmas away from home, hope to use the momentum and confidence from their previous 5-1 romp over Brunei in trying to overcome tremendous odds against the War Elephants in the 7:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. Manila time) duel.

The six-time champion Thais also demolished Brunei in their lone assignment thus far, 5-0.

“As you can see in the last game they played or from history they have a very good squad, excellent players with experience in Japan, and Spain like (Teerasil) Dangda, players who can decide the game,” said Azkals coach Josep Ferre.

The Spanish coach is upbeat his wards will hold their own against the fancied War Elephants in the same way they fought Vietnam in a pre-competition friendly that they lost, 1-0.

“It’s going to be tough against them. It was tough against Vietnam but we played a very decent game,” he said.