Azkals fall to superior Thailand, 3-nil, to bow out of Suzuki Cup semis

The Philippines failed to score anew to yield a 3-nil result to a superior Thailand side on Wednesday in Bangkok.

 

The defeat sealed the Azkals' fate in the Suzuki Cup semifinals, marking the third straight edition of the tournament that saw the Philippines' road end in the final four.

 

The Azkals remained scoreless in six semifinal games since making their miracle run in the same tournament in 2010.

 

The Philippines came into the match needing just a 1-all draw after keeping the sheets clean against Thailand in Manila earlier this week.

 

Chanathip Songkrasin quickly made sure that the War Elephants would be on board early, scoring at the seventh minute for a 1-nil advantage.

 

Thailand dominated the first half, with the Azkals barely getting any chances. Kroekrit Thawikan then put the match away with a goal at the 56th minute.

 

In a 2-nil hole, the Azkals played more aggressively, but could not make any headway. Even worse, Martin Steuble was sent off at the 82nd minute with a after getting his second yellow card.

 

 

Thawikan then put the icing on the cake with a goal at the 87th minute for the War Elephants, who will take on the winner of the semifinal bracket between Malaysia and Vietnam in the final. — JST, GMA News