MANILA - The monicker-less Philippines men's national football faces an upsize and gigantic challenge against their supposed regional rivals and the powerhouse Thailand in their first leg semifinal match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, tonight.
After their Christmas bonanza of upsetting Indonesia in their home, the 150th place in the FIFA Men's Rankings is set to hit their major accomplishment before the 2025 ticks in - to beat Thailand in two-legged home-away semifinals.
Their last encounter was way in 2014 at the same football pitch and the tankman anchoring the defense who made Adisak Kraisorn booted out of the game through the red card will be suspended in tonight's match due to the yellow cards accumulation in the Group Stages.
Amani Aguinaldo's absence in their home game vs. Thailand seems not an issue for the PMNFT's national tactician, Albert Capellas during their pre-game conference happened Thursday afternoon.
"This tournament we're experts and we're find the balance, we had to" he said.
"I'm sure the player who will replace him will do his best and we believe in him" he added.
With suspension of Aguinaldo, Santiago Rublico is expected to cover the void of defense together with the other defenders like Adrian Ugelvik, Paul Tabinas, Kike Linares, and Christian Rontini.
Although, the War Elephants defeated Philippines in the recent Kings Cup, 3-1 last October, the national booters still struggling in their conquest against the 97th rank and defending champions in this biennial regional tournament including their 4-0 against them last 2022.
"If we want to win these big games, we have to win the game with 11 players, that's very important, cause very tight games, and its important that we end with our squad additional (time) of 90 plus", Capellas responded on his learnings on their meetings against the Thais.
"I hope we have a good day in finishing" Capellas assured since the PMNFT only score two in an open play and two in the penalty spot during the Group Stage despite their numerous shot attempts, most number in accurate passing, and dominance in possession.
After the first leg tonight, both teams will fly to Bangkok to play their decider second leg at Rajamangala Stadium on Rizal Day, Monday.
The winner of this match will face the winner between Vietnam vs. Singapore, as the Golden Star Warriors already took advantage after beat the Lions in their late 2-0 score last night.
.jpg)
