Burden will be on the Philippines, says Thai coach Kiatisak
With Thailand guaranteed a semifinal berth in the Asean Football Championship, national coach Kiatisak Senamuang said the pressure will be on the Philippines to snatch the remaining qualification berth when the two sides meet in their final Group A match in Manila on Friday.
Thailand’s title defence in the biennial tournament better known as the Suzuki Cup has so far been unimpressive, with laboured wins against Indonesia (4-2) and Singapore (1-0) in their opening two matches.
Nevertheless it was enough for the Thais – who matched Singapore as the tournament’s joint most successful country when they won their fourth title two years ago – to secure qualification as group winners with a game to spare.
The Philippines, meanwhile, are yet to taste defeat but two successive draws mean they are only a point ahead of Indonesia and Singapore in a tight race for the only remaining qualification berth. Only a win will ensure they follow Thailand into the semifinals, played under a knockout system on a home and away basis.
Former national striker Kiatisak, who won the Asean title three times as a player, was quick to dismiss any thought his men would take the fixture at the Philippine Sports Stadium lightly.
“Although we are through to the next round, tomorrow’s game is important. Our goal is the same – to take three points.
“We will make some changes since we have a squad of 23 and they are all strong. There are Fifa ranking points up for grabs in this tournament, so we will do our best,” the 43-year-old said.
The Thai coach tried to heap pressure on the 2014 semifinalists, saying the hosts need to prove they are good enough to claim the runners-up spot in the group.
“If you want to come with us to the next round, you have to beat us tomorrow. That goes for Indonesia and Singapore, too: they have to win tomorrow to have any chance.
“We want to see a good team follow us into the next phase in order to raise the standard of the game in the region. I regard all the three sides as being at the same level as us, but whoever comes through with us needs to be a good team.”
Philippines coach Thomas Dooley said his team will only focus on the task at hand against a side they have never beaten.
“This game could be our last in the tournament. It is more important because we need to win to get to the next round.
“Every team is different but when you are in the next round already, you may look a little bit tired. There could be lapses in concentration. There could be individual mistakes we can take advantage of.
“The players are ready. They are talking to each other and looking forward to it,” said the American coach, whose side lost 3-0 on aggregate over two legs against Thailand in the semifinals two years ago.
