Suzuki Cup semis preview: why Thailand is beatable

On Saturday the Philippine Azkals take on Thailand in the first game of a two-legged AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal in Rizal Memorial. The odds are stacked against the home team. The Philippines has not defeated Thailand in over four decades. Our last two meetings were losses, 2-1 in the Suzuki Cup group stage in 2012 and the 3-0 defeat in Nakhon Ratchasima on November 9. Thailand has not tasted a Suzuki Cup victory in a while but their three titles are second only to Singapore’s four championships. The War Elephants have finished runners-up in three of the last four editions of this tournament.

Thai football has the discipline of Germany, the imagination and skill of Brazil, the selflessness and teamwork of Spain and the energy and fitness of Korea. No question they are the favorites to win not only the semifinals over two legs, but also the whole shebang.

I kinda get the impression that the rest of ASEAN views Thailand in football the way they view us in hoops. Kiatisuk Senamuang’s team is loaded with offensive weapons, especially the wily Chanathip Songkrasin, a fiendishly talented central midfielder with dribbling moves and passing vision as well. He can feed Kirati Keouwsombut or Adisak Kraison up top. Kirati is deceptively quick for a stocky guy, and Adisak came in for Kirati in the group stage game against Malaysia and scored two fine goals in a 3-2 come-from-behind win.

Kroekrit Thaweekarn is a winger who usually operates from the left flank and has speed to burn. Prakit Deeprom is a great free kick taker who can make us pay for fouls outside the box. Don’t forget their Swiss-born midfielder Charyl Chapuis, who has fit right into the Thai system. Yes, Thailand will be the favorites, FIFA rankings notwithstanding. But are they invincible? Several factors would indicate that the Azkals could pull off an upset.