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