The Philippines and Thailand head into tonight’s crucial match of the AFF Suzuki Cup with more than just bragging rights at stake with the winner also likely to take Group B.
After two matches, defending champions Thailand topped the standing on better goal difference as they are tied on the same six points.
And after the Philippines’ unimpressive display against Timor Leste a few days earlier, head coach Sven Goran Eriksson was right in raising his concerns ahead of the Thai clash.
“Thailand are a good team. And to do well, we have to play good football for at least 45 minutes. We need to be better than how we played against Timor Leste previously,” said Eriksson.
“People might say that Thailand will likely win the group but I hope to change that. And if we can play good football we have a good chance to do well.
“Recovery is very important. So we have to minimise training as the travelling has required us to spent more time in planes and airports.”
In the meantime, Thailand head coach Milovan Rajevac feels that the team which adapts better to do conditions tomorrow will get the upper hand.
“It is the third match for both team, so it is definitely important. The team that wins will win group. So I think that the team which can adapt will do better. So I am looking forward to nice weather and good football,” added Milovan.
“It does not matter who we wants to play in the semifinals. We just want to win tomorrow.
“Past results are not important as the quality is obvious since both teams qualified for the Asian Cup. And both teams want to win tomorrow. It will be a tight match and interesting.”
