Azkals, Thailand battle to scoreless draw in Suzuki Cup semis
MANILA, Philippines—A first leg gone and the second one awaits.
Their second leg would be one important match as the Philippine Azkals draw a 0-0 slate against the Thailand War Elephants during their first leg encounter in the Asean Football Federation semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Saturday evening.
The Philippines had numerous chances on goal but home soil did not exactly give the Azkals the home cooking they wanted.
Azkals. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Misagj Bahadoran could have delivered a late-game stunner in the 81st minute but his header was far too off to the left.
Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley said he is fine with a goalless draw and that it was very important not to concede a goal in the home turf.
“I’m ok with the score, it’s important not to get scored upon at home,” said Dooley whose team still has to get the first victory in 42 years against Thailand. “I can live with that.”
An away-goal for Thailand could make difference in the matchup as an away-goal would merit an extra point.
The Philippines, though, could use the match in Thailand on Wednesday to their distinct advantage as even a tie could see them through to the finals.
Making their money in the counter attack, the Azkals nearly blew the walls off the venue when Phil Younghusband brought Daisuke Sato’s through pass to the box in the 53rd minute.
Younghusband, however, fell to the ground after an initial bump from Thailand’s Suttinun Phukhom outside the box.
In the 67th minute, Thailand was reduced to 10 men when Adisak Kraisorn was sent off with a red card after taking down Amani Aguinaldo in the midfield.
The Azkals, however, could still not capitalize in the ensuing attack when Younghusband’s shot went directly to the gloves of Thai goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.
Misagh Bahadoran created some sparks though for the shot with a nutmeg pass to Younghusband.
Thai head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang was all praises for the Philippines who saw them held to a goalless match after they ran rampant in the group stages.
“The Philippines is a very strong team, we respect them,” Senamuang said. “The Philippines worked hard, we tried, but you can’t expect a win every time.”
Dooley added that boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is the inspiration of the Azkals and their style of play which is based on a fast-paced counter attack.
“Manny is a big influence for us, just like a boxer hitting you, you have to hit back,” Dooley said. “If they attack us if we get the ball, we’ll attack immediately.”
“They’ll pressure us but we will play our kind of game,” Dooley said.
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