MANILA (5 Dec 2014) – History favours the Thais over the Filipinos when it comes to football. Tomorrow, however, the Philippines have an opportunity to change the course of the game in the region when they face Thailand the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium here.
The Philippines football team have been on the rise in recent years, since 2010, and made the semifinals of the last two editions of the AFF Suzuki Cup. But the time has come for the Philippines to raise their game to the next level. The players know it and are hoping that change will start tomorrow.
“It’s great to be back in the semifinals again but our growth seems to be missing a title. Making the semis is no longer enough, we want to win and to win, we must beat the big teams,” said Philip Younghusband at the pre-Match Press Conference today.”
“We do not fear them but we respect them … we are confident,” said Philip of tomorrow’s match.
Echoing his star player’s comments, coach Thomas Dooley said the players were confident and were looking forward to facing Thailand. “There is nothing to lose but an unbelievable amount to gain if we win.”
He said the players were motivated. “Even if we are to play our best, it will still be tough against Thailand. “After Indonesia, I feel we can pull off something tomorrow.”
Philippines, the ruuners-up from Group A, will face Thailand at 8am tomorrow. The other semifinal encounter between Malaysia and Vietnam will be staged at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.
