Philippines' Euro players no concern for Kiatisak

Three-time champions Thailand cruised into the semi-final round of the biennial tournament with a perfect record and a maximum nine points in Group B, finishing five points ahead of 2010 winners Malaysia, who scraped into the last four by beating titleholders Singapore in the final group match.

Kiatisak’s side, bidding to reclaim the title they last won in 2002, are due to take on Group A runners-up the Philippines in the home-and-away semi-finals, with the first leg being scheduled to take place at Rizal Memorial stadium in Manila on December 6.  

The Philippines’ qualification into the semi-finals has confirmed their transformation from a makeweight side to a force to be reckoned with in Southeast Asia. The Filipinos are currently the best-ranked team in the region, lying in the 128th place, 12 spots ahead of the Thais, who jumped from 165th to 144th on the back of their winning run in the competition.  

The 41-year-old Kiatisak, leading his players in his first tournament since being officially appointed as national coach in October, said his team was unfazed by the prospect of facing the Philippines, who rely heavily on their half-European players such as captain Philip Younghusband [Philippines-English]. “Their squad is made up of mostly half-European players, with only just a few natives, but they all performed very well. So, we can’t underestimate them. If you ask me whether we would be at a disadvantage, physically against them, I would say no.  We can fight with them,” Kiatisak said.