MANILA (21 Nov 2016) – Defending champs Thailand and Singapore are the most successful teams in the history of the AFF Suzuki Cup but tomorrow all that will count for little as they attempt to out-play each other to secure their place in the next round.
Thailand, winners in 1996, 2000, 2002, hope to confirm their place in the semi-finals tomorrow by beating Singapore. But the Lions, still hurting from their opening draw and the loss of a player against the Philippines, refuse to give up and will battle to the very end.
After the opening matches, it’s clear the Thais are the ones to beat. And Singapore, champs in 1998, 2004, 2006 and 2012, will face an uphill battle tomorrow. “We respect our opponents but we do not fear them, we will go out and battle for 90mins,” said Singapore coach V. Sundramoorthy.
When asked if there was any particular Thai player he was worried about, including striker Teerasil Dangda, who fired a hattrick in the 4-2 win over Indonesia, Sundram said this. “The Thais have many good players, including two good strikers but I can’t really single one out. They play as a team, they work for one another and they use each other’s strength.
“As for Teerasil, he’s a good striker and we must plan well to make sure he does not score,” said the former Singapore international.
Thai coach Kiatisak Senamuang, better known as Zico, was all smiles as he made his way into the press conference room, probably an indication of just how pleased he is with his team. The way they played against Indonesia, even after a tough 2-2 draw against Australia in a qualifier earlier in the week, would have had any coach in this tournament worried.
“Yes, some of the players are tired, so I may have to replace some of them …I will decide later,” said Zico today. But having some young players stepping in is no problem for the Thai coach. “It’s not going to be easy to beat them, tomorrow will be a hard game. The Singapore coach knows me and I know him very well, so let’s see tomorrow.”
On his team, he said: “Every player will play 100 percent.”
Singapore and Thailand will face each other in the first match of the day at 4.30pm. The game will be played out at the Philippine Sport Stadium. Hosts Philippine will battle Indonesia in the second group tie at 8pm.
