Matches today (My Dinh Stadium)
4 p.m. (5 p.m. in Manila) – Philippines vs Laos
7 p.m. (8 p.m. in Manila) – Vietnam vs Indonesia
HANOI – Azkals coach Thomas Dooley liked what he saw from his players when they went about their practice sessions before hostilities in the 2014 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup kick off today.
“They’re sharp,” said Dooley on the eve of their opening match against youthful but dangerous Laos at My Dinh Stadium here.
Dooley considers the 4 p.m. duel with the Laotians (5 p.m. in Manila) as the “most important game” since it will set the tone for the rest of their campaign in Group A, where Indonesia and host Vietnam await next.
“Laos has a very young team, they’re energized, they’re fast, they’re quick, and they have a tough player up front who can score goals,” he said.
“We played against them (in the AFC Challenge Cup last May) and we won, 2-0. But they may still give us some problems, too. And they’ve changed, they’ve learned so it’s a team you can’t really leave behind (underestimate),” he added.
Laos coach David Booth expressed confidence his wards, who had seen action in the last Asian Games, would hold their own and even pull off surprises.
“The Philippines will be wrong to think the game against Laos will be easy. On a good day, a young team like ours can make it difficult for strong teams,” said Booth.
The Pinoy booters are glad to be playing once more in the place where it all started, and the chance to further add to the history by going all the way this time.
“We have another fantastic opportunity to re-write history,” said captain Rob Gier, confident Phl XI can surpass the milestone semis stints in the Suzuki Cup the past two editions and the runner-up finish in the Challenge Cup.
“We came agonizingly close to winning the AFC Challenge Cup and the experience we gained from that loss will surely help us in this competition. I always believe in this team – we have an excellent group of talented players that are capable of winning the competition,” he added.
The Azkals will be bannered by mostly Manila-based players, including 13 first-timers in the biennial meet. Despite the absence of Fil-foreign veterans for various reasons, Dooley is positive about the team’s chances.
“We have a pretty good team. Individually, we have great players, we play as a team and that’s what I’ve always said. If we can form a team then we didn’t need the best players, we need the best team in the field. If they can form that into the game, then we’ll be successful. “So yeah, I’m positive that we can go into the second round (semis),” said Dooley.
Host Vietnam and Indonesia, meanwhile, will play in the other opening day game in Group A at 7 p.m. (8 p.m. in Manila).