The 1-2 defeat to the Philippines in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-final was a shock for the Thai team. The Golden Temple team is considered superior to its opponents in both strength and expertise, especially when they have the service of young star Suphanat, who also has a number of overseas Thai players such as Jonathan Khemdee, Patrik Gustavsson...
The Thai team can only blame themselves for missing too many opportunities. In which, captain Akirapong had at least 4 shots out of it despite being in a favorable face-to-face position with the opposing goalkeeper.
Subjectivity and partly due to the difference in the artificial turf pitch are considered the main reasons why the "War Elephants" suffered defeat away from home. This is also the first loss of the Thai team to the Philippines in more than half a century.
On the other side, the victory over Thailand is certainly a big mental boost for the Philippines players. In fact, coach Albert Capellas' team played well throughout the journey up to this second leg of the semi-final.
They have a tight playing style based on players with good physique. On the attack line, faces like Monis, Reyes or Kristensen always know how to make breakthroughs. In addition, the Philippines also maintained an uncomfortable defense and lurking counter-attacks. Therefore, this will be a difficult problem for the Thai team in the upcoming match at Rajamangala Stadium.
The Philippines only need a draw to make their first appearance in the ASEAN Cup final. Meanwhile, the Thai team needs to win by 2 goals if they want to reach the final.
In case Thailand only wins by 1 goal, the two teams will have to continue to determine the winner in 2 extra periods and a penalty shootout. In theory, the pressure is mostly on the team of players from the Golden Temple country.
However, Thailand is still the team with the strongest attack in this year's tournament with the diverse and highly effective playing ability of the stars in the attack. They have scored 19 goals since the first leg of the semi-final.
With the advantage of playing at home, coach Masatada Ishii's team will certainly make it very difficult for the Philippines in the rematch.
With the current situation, it is likely that the Philippines will enter the match with a defensive strategy, creating a solid concrete block in front of the home team's goal. As for the Thai team, they will actively attack, increasing pressure to find a goal in the hope of a successful comeback.
This promises to make the second leg of the semi-final between Thailand and the Philippines taking place at 8:00 p.m. today (December 30) at Rajamangala Stadium exciting and dramatic.
Expected lineups of Thailand and the Philippines
Thailand team: Patiwat, Khamdee, Auksornsri, Promsupa, Pumwisat, Pomphan, Chamratsamee, Bureerat, Supachok, Suphanat, Patrik.
Philippines team: Kammeraad, Kempter, Bailey, Ugelvik, Tabinas, Linares, Monis, Reyes, Rubin, Kekkonen, Kristensen.
