Azkals out to end years of heartache versus Thais

BACOLOD—A long-time conqueror stands in the way of the Philippines and an outright semifinal spot in the 2018 AFF (Asean Football Federation) Suzuki Cup.

Long regarded as the top team in Southeast Asia, an in-form Thailand side takes on the Philippines on Wednesday night in a top-of-the-table clash in Group B at Panaad Stadium here.

The Azkals have not won against the Thais in their last 16 meetings, including seven encounters in this biennial competition, but coach Sven Goran Eriksson insists his players understand the importance of the match and what it takes to come away with an upset.

A heavy downpour is expected around kickoff at 7:30 p.m. as Tropical Depression “Samuel” makes landfall in Negros island.

“I’m confident that the players are focused for the big game,” said the well-traveled Swede veteran. “The winner of the match has a huge opportunity to win the group so it’s very important for us to play good football if we want to get away with something from this match.”

The War Elephants have six points like the Azkals in Group B, but the visitors hold a superior goal difference after coming away with convincing wins over Timor Leste (7-0) and Indonesia (4-2).

The Azkals needed to scrape through Singapore (1-0) at Panaad last week, before surviving Timor Leste (3-2) in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

An upset over the Thais could ease the pressure off the Azkals as they travel to Jakarta on Friday for the encounter with Indonesia, which can be eliminated if Thailand and the Philippines battle to a draw.

The other match in the group pits Singapore and Timor Leste in Singapore. The Philippines could still advance with two straight draws.