THE Stephan Schrock-led Philippines could not find its rhythm going against Thailand during Monday night’s AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup Group A match. Photo courtesy of FA Thailand
Worst loss for Azkals
THE Philippines suffered its worst loss in Southeast Asian level competition in 15 years following a 0-4 drubbing of defending champion Thailand Monday night in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
A first-half brace from the War Elephants’ top striker Teerasil Dangda put the fight out of the Azkals in front of almost 7,000 fans at the Thamassat Stadium.
Teerasil hiked his all-time best goal total in the region’s biggest men’s football showpiece to 22.
Thailand improved to six points to level with Indonesia, which pulverized Brunei, 7-0, on top of the Group A table. The War Elephants are ahead over last year’s runner-up via goal difference.
“The target was the six points in our first two matches. We dominated the game and we created a lot of chances, so it was a good night,” said Thailand coach Alexandre Polking.
Still with three points, the Philippines fell in a tie with Cambodia in third place, but coach Coco Ferre’s side had an inferior goal difference.
It was the Azkals’ worst result in the AFF Championship since dropping a 0-4 decision to the War Elephants on January 14, 2007.
The Philippines’ bid to make it to the semifinals after missing the bus last year will now depend on tomorrow night’s decisive match between Thailand and Indonesia at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
The winner of the game would most likely also top the group.
Adisak Kraison and Suphanan Bureerat found the back of the net for the War Elephants in the second half.
The Azkals will host Indonesia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Monday.
