THE Philippine men’s football team expects nothing but a tough battle against Thailand at home in the continuation of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 on Tuesday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
PMNT won in its last home game against Thailand, 2-1, after a stoppage time goal by Kike Linares last December 27, 2024 in the first leg of the semifinals of the the same tournament, still known as the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
It was the Philippines’ first win against Thailand in 52 years.
READ: PMNT gets back on track in Hyundai Cup with 4-1 trashing of Laos
Even though Thailand eventually won the semifinals by taking the second leg, 3-1, at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, the Philippines expects that Thailand will go all out for revenge.
The War Elephants also occupy first place in Group B after winning their first two games, with another victory moving them closer to a place in the semifinals.
“It would be an interesting match,” said Philippines head coach Carles Cuadrat during the prematch press conference on Monday. “We know that Thailand, it’s a tough opponent.
“We know that last time they visit the Philippines, they lost the game. It hasn’t happened in more than 50 years so I guess they learned a lesson and they don’t want another loss. We know that it’s going to be a difficult game but we are preparing the team for that,” he continued.
Javier Mariona was part of that Philippine squad that defeated Thailand, and the PMNT midfielder is capable of doing a repeat.
“We are confident,” Mariona said. “Going into that game back at home in Rizal, we know we had a chance and we proved that that chance was enough to come away with three points. We are very excited to host Thailand again, and hopefully, get another result just like in Rizal,”
Essentially a must-win, the Philippines goes for its second straight victory after a 4-1 win over Laos last Saturday in Vientiane where the team overcame a shaky start when it conceded an early goal.
The Philippines is currently in fourth place in Group B, tied with Myanmar with three points but with an inferior goal difference of zero. Malaysia is in second place with two victories on a +3 goal difference.
They will also look to take advantage of the home field this time after the Philippines lost to Myanmar, 4-1, last week.
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