FANS numbering in the thousands are coming to watch the 2016 Asean Football Federation-Suzuki Cup.
They won’t be coming just from the Philippines. Spectators are expected to come from Bangkok, Singapore and Jakarta and are expected to fill up the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan and the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.
As thousands are expected go to the venues in buses, members of the Philippine Azkals national men’s football team are inspired and are expected to be at their best when they face Singapore in their opening match at 8 p.m. in Bulacan.
“The players are playing for flag and country. That’s why we expect passionate competition in all matches,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) general secretary Edwin Gastanes.
Gastanes talked about the coming tournament during yesterday’s weekly PSA Forum at the Shakey’s Pizza Restaurant in Malate, Manila.
The Azkals are in Group A, which is considered the “Group of Death.”
This is because the defending champion Thailand is in the same bracket with the Philippines, along with 2012 champion Singapore and semifinalist Indonesia.
Gastanes said the Philippine may have the highest ranked team in the region.
But this is not a guarantee that the Azkals will win matches easily because the other teams are coming in prepared.
According to reports, Singapore just bounced back from a six-game slump in their friendlies when a second-half strike from substitute Yasir Hanapi helped the Lions win 1-0 over Cambodia, a result which snapped a six-game losing streak last Sunday.
“You can lose all the friendlies. Most importantly, it’s the first game against Philippines (that counts),” Singapore’s new coach V. Sundramoorthy.
On the other hand, Thai coach Kiatisuk Senamuang has put together a new generation of Thai stars, with the team built around two veterans Chanathip Songkrasin and Sarach Yooyen.
In attack, former Almeria forward Teerasil Dangda is likely to take charge.
Singapore believes that the Philippines will be their toughest opponent.
“This is not going to be easy because Philippines and Indonesia players will also be out to show their abilities,” Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny.
