Thailand Favored in ASEAN Cup Semifinal Showdown Against Philippines
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Teh highly anticipated ASEAN Cup 2024 semifinals are set to kick off, with Thailand, the reigning champions, facing the Philippines in a clash of titans on December 27th at 8:00 PM.The match, broadcast live on Thairath TV Channel 32, will be streamed online at www.thairath.co.th/tv/live,and also on Facebook (Thairath TV),YouTube (THAIRATH TV Originals),and the My Thairath App. The game will take place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with pre-game coverage starting at 7:30 PM.
Thailand’s Dominant Run
Under the guidance of coach Masatada Ishii, Thailand dominated the group stage, securing a perfect 12 points from four victories. Their strong performance earned them the top spot in Group A and a well-deserved place in the semifinals. While key players like Supachok Sarachat and Ben Davis are expected to return to the lineup after injury, Ekanit Panya remains sidelined. However, the team boasts a strong roster, including Pattiwat Khammai, Pansa Hemwiboon, Akaraphong Phumwiset, Suphanat Mueanta, and Patrik Gustafsson, ready to lead the charge.
A likely starting eleven for Thailand includes: Wathiwat Khammai (GK), Nicholas Mikkelson, Pansa Hemwiboon, Jonatharn Khemdee, Thitathorn Aksornsri, Weerathep Pomphan, William Weeder, Serge, Peeradon Chamrasamee, Suphanat Mueanta, Anan Yodsangwan, and Patrik Gustafsson.
philippines Face Challenges
the Philippines, coached by Albert capeñas, secured their semifinal berth with a commendable 3-1-0 record in the group stage, accumulating 6 points and finishing second in Group B. their final group stage victory over Indonesia showcased their resilience. However, they face significant challenges heading into the semifinal.
Key absences will impact the Philippines’ strategy. Amani Aguinaldo is suspended, Patrick Dayto is injured, and veteran Patrick Reichelt has retired. While players from the Thai League like Kiké Linares, Oskari Kekkonen, and Scott Woods will be key, the team will rely heavily on players like Paul Tabinas, Sandro Reyes, and Bjorn Martin Christensen – who previously scored against Thailand in the King’s Cup – to step up.
Head-to-Head History
Recent history favors Thailand. Their last five matches against the Philippines show a clear dominance:
- October 11, 2024: Thailand 3-1 philippines (King’s Cup)
- December 26, 2022: Thailand 4-0 Philippines (ASEAN Cup)
- December 14, 2021: Thailand 2-1 Philippines (ASEAN Cup)
- November 21, 2018: Thailand 1-1 Philippines (ASEAN Cup)
- November 25, 2016: Thailand 1-1 Philippines (ASEAN Cup)
Prediction
“In this game, the Thai national team still looks superior to the Philippine national team. Even tho playing on artificial turf is not the Thai national team’s specialty. But with the quality of the players, I think they are still superior. And the home team’s fans are not as crowded as those visiting Malaysia or Vietnam, making the atmosphere unlikely to be as stressful in the match. It is expected that the Thai national team will win with a score of 2-0.”
While the Philippines will undoubtedly put up a fight, Thailand’s superior squad depth and recent head-to-head record suggest a pleasant victory for the War Elephants.
ASEAN Cup Semifinal: Can the Philippines Upset Mighty Thailand?
The ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-finals are here,pitting group stage winners Thailand against Philippines,the runners-up from Group B. This highly anticipated matchup takes place on December 27th at 8:00 PM at Rizal Memorial Stadium,promising a thrilling showdown between two Southeast Asian footballing giants.
Thailand’s Formidable Force
Senior Editor: Joining us today is Southeast Asian football expert, Chris Wong. Chris, Thailand enters the semi-finals as favorites.What makes them such a formidable force?
Chris Wong: Absolutely, Thailand is looking incredibly strong. They dominated the group stage, finishing with a perfect record under Coach Masatada Ishii. Players like Supachok Sarachat and Ben Davis, who were injured earlier, are expected to be back, bolstering an already remarkable squad.
Senior Editor: Ekanit Panya, though, is still out. Will his absence be a significant blow?
Chris Wong: It’s a loss,no doubt. Ekanit is a key player. But Thailand’s depth is their greatest strength. They have proven substitutes ready to step up. Keep an eye on pattiwat Khammai, Pansa Hemwiboon, and Suphanat Mueanta, who have shown their capabilities throughout the tournament.
Philippines Facing Uphill Battle
Senior Editor: And what about the Philippines? They secured their semi-final spot with a commendable run in the group stage, but they face a tougher challenge now.
Chris Wong: They definitely face an uphill battle. While they booked their place with a great win over Indonesia, they are missing some key players. Amani Aguinaldo is suspended,Patrick Dayto is injured,and the experienced Patrick Reichelt has retired.
Senior Editor: That’s a lot to overcome. Can their remaining players, like Kiké Linares and Scott Woods, make a difference?
Chris wong: they certainly have the talent to cause an upset. Linares and Woods, alongside players like Paul Tabinas, Sandro Reyes, and Bjorn Martin Christensen – who scored against Thailand in the King’s Cup – will need to be at their best. But to be honest, overcoming Thailand’s quality will be a very difficult task.
History Favors Thailand
Senior Editor: Historically, Thailand has had the upper hand. How have their recent encounters been?
Chris Wong: History definitely favors Thailand. In their last five meetings – which include matches in the ASEAN Cup and King’s Cup – Thailand has won three, drawn two.
Senior Editor: That’s quite a record! So, do you think this trend will continue?
Chris Wong: It’s hard to see it going any other way. Thailand’s squad depth, their recent form, and their head-to-head record gives them a significant advantage.I predict a 2-0 victory for Thailand.
Senior Editor:
Chris, thanks for sharing your expert analysis.It sounds like we’re in for a thrilling semifinal clash.
Chris Wong: It’s always a pleasure. May the best team win!
