Game Sunday
(Jakarta, Indonesia)
8 p.m. – Indonesia vs Philippines
BACOLOD CITY – Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident that the Philippine Azkals can secure a place in the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals if they produce a performance similar to Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Thailand at the Panaad Stadium here.
The Azkals avoided a stinging defeat against the reigning two-time winners when substitute Jovin Bedic delivered an equalizing goal in the 81st minute to enhance their chances of making the semis for the fourth time in the last five editions of Southeast Asia’s premier competition.
“If we play football like this, I think we will qualify for the semifinals,” Eriksson said after the match.
On level terms with Thailand at seven points, the Azkals need a win against Indonesia on Sunday at the cavernous Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta to cement their place in the semis.
A draw could also be enough for the Filipino booters, provided that Thailand beats Singapore also on Sunday at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
Singapore is a point behind Thailand and the Philippines after crushing Timor-Leste, 6-1, in Wednesday’s other Group B match at home.
Indonesia is already out of semifinal contention with just three points in three matches while Timor-Leste ended its maiden Suzuki Cup group stage campaign by losing all four games.
Erikkson kept a positive approach on the way the Azkals performed, considering how many see Thailand as the favorite to top the group.
Thailand went to this city having scored 11 goals in wins over Timor-Leste and Indonesia, seven of which coming from Adisak Kraison.
But the Azkals were the more aggressive side, holding possession almost 60 percent while attempting five shots on target. Central defender Alvaro Silva also provided strength at the backline that saw Adisak being held checked.
Thailand, however, took the lead in the 56th when Supachai Jaided scored on a counterattack, leaving the Azkals in danger of seeing their strong showing go to waste.
Bedic, who hails from Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, eventually rescued the Azkals from defeat when his right-footed shot hit the post before rolling past the goal line. (Jonas Terrado)