Semis-bound Thais still looking to get 3 points vs Azkals | Inquirer Sports

Semis-bound Thais still looking to get 3 points vs Azkals

/ 06:03 PM November 24, 2016

Thai star Teerasil Dangda during an AFF Suzuki Cup match between Thailand and Indonesia on November 19, 2016 at the Philippine Sports Stadium. The Thais won 4-2. Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon/INQUIRER

Thai star Teerasil Dangda during an AFF Suzuki Cup match between Thailand and Indonesia on November 19, 2016 at the Philippine Sports Stadium. The Thais won 4-2. Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon/INQUIRER

With Thailand owning the Philippines’ number in the history of the Suzuki Cup, coach Kiatisuk Senamuang
doesn’t want to go down in history as the one to lose to the Azkals.

“Yes, I don’t want to lose tomorrow. It’s going to be bad for our profile,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The War Elephants and the Azkals face off on Friday in a must-win match for the Filipino side in the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup at Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: Azkals can build on fightback vs Indonesia

It will be a no-bearing tiff for the Thais, who are already headed to the next round after securing six points from their 4-2 victory over Indonesia and a 1-0 win over Singapore.

Article continues after this advertisement

But Kiatisuk still looks at the game against the Philippines as a crucial one, as he hopes to build on Thailand’s confidence going into the semifinals of its title retention bid.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We’re already in the next round, but tomorrow’s game is important too. Our goal is to get three points, the same as we did in our last two matches,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Azkals’ heart

Kiatisuk hinted at changing his lineup a bit after the War Elephants’ sluggish play against the Lions on Tuesday, where they needed a late goal from Sarawut Masuk to escape with the full three points.

Article continues after this advertisement

But he expressed confidence on whoever he may field in, saying, “We’ll change some positions, but the 20 players in our team are all strong.”

Kiatisuk also reminded Philippine coach Thomas Dooley of what’s at stake for the host country, saying, “If you want to go with us to the next round, you have to beat us tomorrow.”

READ: Dooley banking on thorough preparation for must-win game vs Thais

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

The Azkals have never beaten the War Elephants in the history of the Suzuki Cup, with the Philippines’ last triumph over Thailand coming from a 1-0 win in June 12, 1972 in a tournament in Jakarta.

TAGS: Azkals, Indonesia, preparation, READ

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.