Philippine Malditas seek crucial win against Thais

MANILA, Philippines — History-chasing Philippine Malditas set out to play their very best against regional rival Thailand in what’s largely considered the biggest match of their career in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup tonight at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman, Jordan (early Friday in Manila).

The Malditas eye no less than a victory over the Thais in the 8 p.m. Group A encounter (1 a.m. Friday Manila time) to meet their date with destiny and progress to the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.

“This game is a very important one for us,” said Phl coach Rabah Benlarbi.

The Filipinas, who opened the tourney with a 2-1 upset of Jordan but suffered a 0-3 setback to unbeaten powerhouse China, try to nose out the Thais, who also have three points behind a win and loss, for the second semis spot and its corresponding WWC slot.

A draw against the Asean hotshots still gives the Malditas a fighting chance as they move to the battle for fifth with the No. 3 squad in Group B to dispute the remaining Asian ticket to the France worlds.

Although humbled by the eight-time Asian champ China, Benlarbi said they could “take some positives” from that game heading into the crucial duel with Thailand.

“As much as we tried to react in the second half, we continued to press China until the very last minute,” said the French coach.