I AM writing this piece hours before the Suzuki Cup kick off between the Philippines and Singapore at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, and I can only hope that the Azkals made the most of this Group B home match with 3 points.
A win last night would be a massive result for the Azkals and high-profile coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to start the Philippine campaign in what is regarded as the Group of Death. With Timor-Leste as exception, defending champions Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and, yes, the Philippines, are all considered serious contenders to lift this year’s trophy.
Thailand, of course, are the most successful team of the biennial tournament, having won the title five times since 1996, including its recent back-to-back championship triumphs. The War Elephants won in 2016 at the expense of perennial runner ups Indonesia, which, incredibly, have lost all of its five finals appearances.
Four-time champions Singapore, for its part, are definitely no pushovers, despite criticisms of the team’s current form. The Lions were out to prove the pundits wrong after defeating visitors Indonesia 1-0 last Friday.
We can only hope that the Azkals did tame The Lions last night. If not, the Philippines can count itself lucky that its next opponent is Timor-Leste, which lost its opener 7-0 to Thailand. The Timor-Leste encounter in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday would also serve as an important build-up match leading to the Nov. 21 clash against Thailand at Panaad.
For the Azkals’ last match in Group B, unpredictable Indonesia would be waiting for Eriksson and the team on Nov. 25 at the fabled Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
Regardless of last night’s result, it would still be tricky to play up scenarios. One thing’s for certain, though: the Philippines needs a convincing performance against Thailand next Wednesday. If the Azkals do beat the Thais, this should make them favorites to win the tournament.
But like Indonesia, the Philippines must break past a psychological barrier: the Azkals haven’t gone past the semifinals after three straight appearances (2010, 2012 and 2014), and following the disastrous campaign of 2016, the team is terribly in need of redemption. And what better place to find redemption than in the Group of Death.