The equaliser might not have been spectacular but there was no mistaking the little smile on Philippines head coach Sven Goran Eriksson last night as the homesters brightened their chance of a place in the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The 1-1 draw against favourites Thailand was more of winning the one point than losing two when it is compared to Singapore and also Indonesia’s defeat at the hands of the defending champions.
And while the Azkals played some semblance of a good football at the Panaad Park and Stadium, the fact that they now have the chance of making the final four has at least lifted the spirit in the team after their non-too impressive display against Timor Leste previously.
“We need to continue to play like this and if we can confirm our place in the semifinals, that will be good for the future of the team,” said Eriksson afterwards.
“I think we played well throughout the match and for me we were the better team as we created more opportunities. The result was fair. We could have won it but I’m very happy with the performance of the team. I think they did well against a very good side.”
With slightly more possessions, the Thais were not able to capitalise on play as they scrambled for the lead through Supachai Chaided before Jovin Bedic fired in the bizarre equaliser.
Incidentally, Bedic is also Barotac Nuevo – the same hometown as current Philippines Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta.
“He (Bedic) has been doing very well in training and he made things happen. It was the right decision to put him in,” added Eriksson.
The Philippines will wrap up their campaign in Group B of the AFF Suzuki Cup with a match against Indonesia in Jakarta on 25 November 2018.
