Azkals underdogs anew versus Thais

The Philippines slips back into its familiar role as heavy underdogs in the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals, where it will face a young and hungry Thailand side that has taken the competition by storm.

Despite resting the standout players in their first two games, the Thais still clinched top spot in Group B with an emphatic 2-0 win over Burma (Myanmar) Saturday night at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore to forge a semifinal duel with the Azkals, who finished second in Group A in Hanoi.

Malaysia stunned fierce rival Singapore, 3-1, to snare second spot in Group B and arrange a semifinal clash with Vietnam.

The Azkals host the first leg of the semifinals this Saturday at Rizal Memorial Stadium with the return leg in Bangkok slated Dec. 10.

The Thais have won 15 of their last 17 meetings with the Filipinos with the latest win—a 3-0 drubbing—coming early last month in Nakhon Ratchasima.

But Azkals manager Dan Palami refused to put a lot of weight on the Thais’ victory, saying the PH side was far from its best shape and missed key players in the friendly match.

There’s no doubting the Thais’ quality in the tournament, though, as they swept their group matches that included wins over defending champion Singapore (2-1) and 2010 winner Malaysia (3-2).

“We have to come up with a plan to counter the strength of their system (of play) and not just individual players,” said Palami.

“At least we know a little bit about Thailand now,” said striker Phil Younghusband said. “This time we’ll have our strongest team (in the semifinals).”

Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang is expecting a tough outing in Manila.

“When we go to Manila, it’s not going to be easy for us,” said Senamuang, one of the most revered figures in Thai football.

“We know the Philippines. They have very good skill and technique. But we know how to play against them.”