MANILA (3 Dec 2014) – Philippines coach Thomas Dooley believes his players will find the drive to beat Thailand in the first-leg, semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup this weekend.
There were concerns that following the team’s defeat in their last game against Vietnam, it might have an adverse effect when the Philippines entertain Thailand at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on 6 December.
But as Dooley pointed out this week, the loss might just have the required effect for the players to regroup and find their rhythm against the all conquering Thais.
“Our performances in the first two games (against Laos and Indonesia) were excellent but against Vietnam, maybe because they were too good or maybe we did not have the drive, we lost,” added Dooley.
“I know how it is as a player when you play a game like that (against Vietnam) and you lose it, you will be hungry again (for the next match).”
But Thailand have shown that in spite of having a very young squad, they are still a formidable side after beating all three of their rivals in the group stage.
“Thailand play in a similar way to Vietnam and it won’t be easy,” he added.
“We have a week to rest. I am pretty sure we will perform differently and the team will play to their best.”
