Azkals draw vs. Thailand shows we should fear no one

The Philippines battled defending champions Thailand to a thrilling 1-1 draw in a hugely entertaining match in Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

The Azkals were more than a match against five-time champion Thailand for most of the game, with the hosts’ best chances coming in the first half.

But the Azkals was left undone with a ruthless lightning quick Thailand counterattack which saw the visitors take an undeserved lead early in the second half.

The Azkals kept fighting and with nine minutes left to spare, found a breakthrough with substitute Jovin Bedic scoring the equalizer to give the Philippines a deserved draw.

The match was billed as a big test for the Philippines against the gold standard of Southeast Asian football, and the Azkals rose to the occasion with a strong and disciplined performance.

Suggestions that the Azkals would play for a draw against our more pedigreed neighbors were debunked as the Azkals took the game to Thailand early on.

The positive energy was flowing from the Azkals, and one can sense a newfound confidence and discipline as they went about their business.

Playing a team such as Thailand was always going to be about finding the right balance between going forward and keeping it tidy at the back, and for the most part, the Azkals pushed the right buttons by playing taking a page out of Thailand’s game – bossing possession statistics and actually outpassing the Thais.

Thailand, suitably thrown off their game, resorted to indiscipline and reckless challenges were most definitely the happier side going to halftime with scores level at 0-0.

Centerback Alvaro Silva finally made his Azkals debut in the Suzuki Cup, and slotted in superbly in the heart of the Azkals defense, providing defensive tenacity and stability that has been missing for some time.

His understanding and partnership with Carli de Murga were excellent, so much so that tournament leading goal scorer Adisak Kraisorn was kept at bay and eventually substituted.

Azkals coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was effusive of his praise for his prized defender, who plays club football in the Malaysia Super League.

“It was extremely important (that Silva was in the starting eleven),” said Coach Sven. “Alvaro Silva is a fantastic defender. He is a clever man, taking good positions, and good header of the ball.”

Stephan Schrock was the team’s danger man once again as he continually beat his man in the right wing, causing all sorts of trouble to his Thai counterparts. He was satisfied with the result.

“We can be very happy with this draw. Team performance is great, the spirit and dedication of the players, every single one is always great”, says the former Bundesliga star.

With Stephan Palla starting at left back, Romania-based Daisuke Sato was pushed forward in a more advanced left-wing role, and he used his new-found freedom to create chances from the flanks.

Manny Ott and Patrick Strauss epitomized the Azkals confidence by manning the midfield and playing timely and dangerous balls, especially on set pieces.

The transition from defense to attack was seamless and fluid. Especially noteworthy was the Azkals’ patience while keeping possession and not giving in to launching aimless long balls, as was sometimes the habit when things aren’t going to plan.

Team manager Dan Palami summed up the team’s performance the best. “We played better in this draw against Thailand than in the two wins (against Singapore and Timor Leste).”

It is the testament to the Azkals dominance and superiority on the night that Thailand looked a shadow of themselves, as the War Elephants settled for a draw late in the game.

It is true that the Azkals still haven’t beaten Thailand in seventeen games and counting, but if ever there was a draw that felt like a win, this would be it.

All that remains to ensure qualification is a trip to Jakarta for the final group stage match against an already eliminated Indonesia, where a draw would see the Azkals in the semifinals for the fourth time in our history.

Before kickoff in Bung Karno Stadium, it is hoped that the Azkals have addressed their worrying lack of finishing displayed against Thailand, where a spate of ruthlessness and anticipation was required from our center-forwards.

Against an Indonesian team playing for nothing but pride and against a hastily installed coach fighting for his job, Merah Putih will be dangerous.

But with the way the Azkals played against Thailand, we should welcome the challenge and fear no one. —JST, GMA News