Milestone chasers Philippines XI storm into the unbeaten Thai competition

THAILAND is standing in the way but the scrappy Philippines are undeterred at the thought of facing many of their rivals in their bid to reach the finals of the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

After a 1-1 draw with Vietnam and a 1-0 semi-final decision against Indonesia in pool play, the Filipinos feel they can give the defending champion Thais a run for their money in their two-legged semi-final.

“We are not afraid of anyone,” said midfielder Alex Monis.

“Thailand is a great team and we have a lot of respect for them. But we have shown that we can play against Vietnam and Indonesia who are very good teams so we are going into this game confident that we can compete.”

The semi duel, which starts on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila and culminates on Monday at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, pits the winningest team against one of the tournament’s latecomers.

Thailand has won the biannual meeting seven times, including four in the last five editions. The Philippines burst into the fray 14 years ago with the famous song “Miracle of Hanoi”. After that successful semi stint in 2010, the Philippines qualified for the semis three more times (2012, 2014 and 2018) but failed to make it past the group stage in the last two editions (2020 and 2022).

Records show that the Philippines have not defeated Thailand since 1971 and 1972 when they won their first three matches. A draw in the first leg of the 2014 Asean Championship semi-final and a 1-1 draw in the 2018 group stage, both at home, were the country’s best results in 19 matches, including a 1-3 defeat in the King’s Cup. last October. .

Veteran Patrick Reichelt, who retired from the national team after the big win in Surakarta to focus on family life, gave his vote of confidence to those who left.

“It is time to make history and I know that this team can make history,” said Mr. Reichelt, a group member for the past 13 years.

“I think the Philippines is always waiting for that next big thing, the next ‘Hanoi Miracle’. I have a special feeling about this group. Now I can see it happening.”

Those chasing coach Albert Capellas will have to do that not only without the father who will give birth to Mr. Reichelt but also veteran captain Amani Aguinaldo, who may be suspended from Leg 1 for accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage. – Olmin Leyba