Azkals must be in perfect shape vs Thais

MANILA, Philippines - Wanted: Perfect game.

The embattled Philippine Azkals need a virtually perfect game as they go for broke against defending champion Thailand in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup tonight at the Philippine Sports Stadium.

“We have to be prepared for the best game ever in our lives,” Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said ahead of their 8 p.m. make-or-break clash with long-time tormentor Thais.

The Azkals’ bid to advance to the semifinals of the Asean bootfest hangs in the balance after settling for draws with 10-man Singapore (0-0) and Indonesia (2-2) in two winnable games in Group A.

But they can still seal their semis entry with a huge victory against a Thai side they haven’t beaten in 44 years. The War Elephants had already booked a semis stint with earlier victories over Indonesia (4-2) and Singapore (1-0).

“Indonesia found some holes and scored two goals in there (against Thailand). So the important thing is we keep it tight. We know we have to play very, very well against a Thailand side we’ve never ever beaten so we know if we’re gonna qualify (to the semis), we need to make history and beat Thailand,” said Phl XI skipper Phil Younghusband.

Dooley expressed belief despite the Thais’ superior skills, “anything can happen in football.”

“You’ll never really know how it will go. The only thing you can do is go out there the way you should: Be 100 percent ready, focus, eat right, sleep right, visualize the game and the opponent, try to give the best quality you have as player in terms of skills and effort and bring it into the collective as a team. Do that and you have a chance to win,” said Dooley.

A different result against the Thais can complicate things or even lead to disaster for the host Filipinos.

If it ends in a draw, the Azkals should hope that the Lions and the Merah Putih also play to a stalemate in the simultaneous 8 p.m. duel slated over at Rizal Memorial Stadium to have a shot.

If the Pinoy booters lose, there’s still a chance to advance if only Singapore and Indonesia battle to tie. Under such scenario, there will be a logjam for No. 2 and it will be broken by considering the two’s goal difference.

“Our goal is to get to the next level and to get there, we need to beat Thailand and reach the semifinals first,” said Dooley.

Although already through to the Last-4, Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang said there’s no easing up for the War Elephants and vowed to make Azkals work for it.

“Tomorrow’s game is important, too. Our goal is three points just like the past two games.  We will change some players but we will do our best considering there are Fifa ranking points at stake,” said Senamuang.