Dooley keen on ending Azkals losing run vs Thais

MANILA, Philippines - Ranged against the tournament favorites and a side they haven’t beaten since 1971, Philippine men’s football team coach Thomas Dooley readily admitted that the Azkals are the “total underdogs” against Thailand in the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals but an underdog that could bite back and pull off a surprise.

“We’re totally the underdog against Thailand,” Dooley, describing the Thais as “fast and technically good and maybe a little bit better” than the Azkals’ conqueror in the group stage, Vietnam, during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.  

The Group A runner-up Azkals will host the Group B ruler War Elephants on Saturday at Rizal Memorial for the first leg of the semis, hoping to draw a huge hometown crowd as they bid to end the stranglehold of the Thais and boost their chance for a finals berth.

“We lost 14 (straight) games against Thailand since 1971. It’s about time (we change that). I think it’s a great day for us on Saturday, with hopefully a sold out crowd, to do it at home,” said Dooley.

The former World Cupper expressed belief his wards have the goods to drop the upset axe on the Thais, having shown a glimpse of this in an acclaimed 4-0 disposal of Indonesia in Group A play.

“That was the best performance I’ve seen from this team and if we can call that up against Thailand, then we have a chance of winning against Thailand,” said Dooley.

He underscored the importance of getting a good result in the semis opener at Rizal to put themselves in an ideal position heading to the second leg on Dec. 10 in Bangkok’s cavernous Rajamangala Stadium.

“We have to win at home to get a chance to tie the game or win the game in Thailand. It is the third time that we reached the semifinals and we would like to go to the finals. It’s a very difficult task but anything can happen,’ he said.

The Azkals received a big boost with first keeper Roland Muller set to join the squad after missing the group stage due to club commitment.

“He got a red card last week in the game so that means he’s out for the last game of the season in Switzerland. We are trying to get him back as soon as possible. We still have to wait for confirmation from his club that they’ll release him today (yesterday) so he’ll be able to be here on Wednesday or Thursday,” said Dooley.

Patrick Reichelt, who injured his knee in the Azkals’ semis-clinching 4-0 win over Indonesia and missed their 1-3 loss to Vietnam in group play, might be available, too.

“I’d love to have him in there because he had a great game in two games, had a great performance against Indonesia. I hope he can work something out to be able to return,” said Dooley, who gave Reichelt little piece of action in the first three days of training at Rizal. “On Thursday, he might have to push a little bit so we’ll see if he’s 100 percent or not.”

Juani Guirado, who pulled his hamstring in Hanoi, could be out two or three weeks more, according to Dooley. He said they’re hoping that his prospective replacement, Fil-Spanish centerback Alvaro Silva, could finally secure his Phl passport in time for Saturday’s match.