The odds will be stacked against the Philippines when it guns for a semifinal berth against Thailand on Friday night in the final group match of the AFF Suzuki Cup. The Philippines has not won against Thailand in 15 matches, spanning 44 years. The Azkals have a poor record against the Thais in the regional tournament, where they’ve lost six of their seven meetings with the lone draw coming in the first leg of the semifinals in 2014.
After two frustrating draws against Singapore and Indonesia to start the tournament, the Azkals face a do-or-die scenario against the defending champions. They are better off than Singapore and Indonesia, which play simultaneously at Rizal Memorial Stadium, knowing that a win may not be enough if the Philippines pick up the full three points against the Thais. Still, it’s a tough task for the hosts, who have been far from convincing in their first two games, unlike in 2014 when they reached the semifinals after just two matches. But this showdown could define their tournament going forward. The Azkals showed their resilience in the fightback against Indonesia. Now, its all about grabbing a golden opportunity and making history once again.
MAKE-OR-BREAK
With the exception of the 2014 run to the semifinals, the Azkals needed to come up with a big result just to make the next round in the competition.
It’s no different this year as they face a make-or-break scenario against the Thais, who have the luxury of resting their first team players with an eye on the semifinals next week. Tournament football can be brutal as it leaves little room for error. The Azkals have used up all their lifelines in the two matches and it’s all about playing an almost flawless game against the Thais.
Although they still have control of their destiny, the Azkals may still go through if the result in the Singapore-Indonesia clash ends in a draw and the Azkals also tie the Thais.
Relaxing at the hotel lobby before training last Thursday, Misagh Bahadoran said he didn’t bother asking about the scenarios, if they lost. “We have to win,” he said. “There’s just no other way around it.”
BIG GAME PLAYERS
There’s no shortage of big-game players in the Azkals side and now more than ever, they would need to step up.
Toughened by battles against North Korea, Bahrain and Uzbekistan and the experience in the previous Suzuki Cup, Amani Aguinaldo must organize and command the backline. Stephan Schrock has had a solid first two games, but he has also guaranteed a goal for the Azkals against the Thais. “I did not score today, but I will score on Friday,” said Schrock, after the 2-2 draw against Indonesia.
Roland Muller would need to be at his agile best, fending off the Thais, while finding Schrock or Misagh Bahdoran up front for those early counterattacks.
Phil Younghusband has thrived in his holding midfield role, but could occasionally push forward and do his thing in set pieces or making those late runs into the box.
Misagh Bahadoran can take his impressive goalscoring run of seven goals in the last 12 matches to the next level with an important one Friday night.
Mike and Manny Ott would have to combine brilliantly in the final third to create opportunities. At the same time, they would have to be confident enough to take their chances when they’re in and around the penalty box.
Jeffrey Christiaens would have to mix aggression with a clever reading of the game to compliment Aguinaldo’s physical play. Playing out of position, Martin Steuble and Kevin Ingreso would have to shrug off their struggles in the tournament to get the job done.
From the starters to the last man on the bench, it will be all about playing your role and giving something more for the Philippines tonight.
THAI DEPTH
Playing their fourth game in 11 days and with the semifinal berth already in the bag, Thailand coach Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang may be forced to sit out the likes of Teerasil Dangda and Chanathip Songkrasin for the clash with the Azkals. But that doesn’t mean the quality in the team will drop drastically without Thailand’s two main stars. This squad is littered with talent and quality with some of the standouts of the 2014 title run even struggling to get a game for the Thais. Kroekrit Thawikan, Thosakrai Mongkol, Charyl Chappuis, Peerapat Nochaiya and Prakit Deeprom could all play a role against the Azkals tonight as Coach Zico rests his starters.
“Although we’re already through to next round, the game (against the Philippines) is important, too,” said Kiatisuk, who last played against a Philippine side in 2007 when the Thais beat the Filipinos, 4-0, in the group stage in Bangkok. “We need nine points in our results. We’ll change some positions but the 20 players in our team, they are all strong. They are all of the same quality.”
Kiatisuk is also motivated by the fact that he needs his squad to pick up Fifa ranking points against the Azkals, who are the top-ranked side in Southeast Asia.
“The FIFA rankings have an effect from this tournament,” he said.“We will give standard for our team.”