THE Philippine Azkals aim to clinch a semifinals seat in the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup when they tangle with the tough Thailand War Elephants on Wednesday night at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
Both the Azkals and the War Elephants were tied on first place in Group B – 6 points on two victories – heading into the 7:30 p.m. game but Thailand had the top seed due to higher goal difference.
The Azkals kicked off their campaign with slim wins over Singapore (1-0) and Timor Leste (3-2) while the War Elephants were dominant against Timor Leste (7-0) and Indonesia (4-2).
Azkals head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was hoping his squad would make a good showing against the heavily favored War Elephants, which defeated the Philippines in their past few match-ups.
“I hope that we play a good game, especially we are playing at home in Bacolod City,” Eriksson said. “We have to play good football against Thailand, defend well and win the game.”
Azkals star Stephan Schrock said they were looking to draw strength from the Bacolodnon fans.
“If you have to choose where you have to play the home games of the Azkals, it would be in Negros, in Bacolod,” Schrock said. “They have the best crowd, the loudest cheering, and the biggest support.”
He added: “I’m so happy and glad that they could arrange to have our home games here. It will be necessarily needed to have our 12th man in the stands. We will not fail and we will make them proud.”
The Azkals will still be without Luke Woodland, who had already been ruled out for the rest of the tournament, while Manny Ott and Neil Etheridge were both expected to return./PN
