WHERE there shots fired by a member of the Thailand national football team ahead of its return semifinal in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup against the Philippines?
It appeared that way on the eve of the return leg of the match-up where the War Elephants are looking to come back after their stunning defeat to the Philippine men’s national team (PMNT), 2-1, last Friday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
During Sunday’s pre-match conference in Bangkok, Thailand defender Chalermsak Aukkee was quoted as saying that he has guaranteed not just a win by his squad, but a place in the finals over the Philippines in the tournament they have won seven times.
READ PMNT stuns champion Thailand, 2-1, on Linares' stoppage-time goal
“I want to invite the football fans to come to the stadium to cheer us a lot. I remember that in the match we lost, the Philippines was so happy that they cried. And this match, they will cry again because we will prevent them from getting to the final,” Chalermsak was quoted in Thai as saying and translated to English by the FA Thailand Facebook page.
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After its shock defeat, Thailand needs to win by at least two goals in Sunday’s final leg at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok to book a return to the finals.
Whether it was indeed Chalermsak's statements or his words got lost in translation, the Philippines is certainly aware of it.
When told about Chalermsak’s statements by a Thai reporter, Philippines coach Albert Capellas said Filipino fans will be proud regardless of the result of the final semifinal leg.
Capellas also understands that emotions of the fans during the win since it took the Philippines 52 years to win over the Southeast Asia powerhouse.
“Of course, (it) was important for our fans to win (against) Thailand because it’s something that didn't happen in the past and that means we are making steps forward and feel the country very proud because football is how I can say it is.”
“I think there is no sport in the world who moves people more than football. Maybe music... That is why now the fans start to feel the hope.”
“Tomorrow, we will perform. And I’m sure that our fans will not cry. They will feel very proud, no matter what. If we win, if we draw, if we lose, I’m sure that they will feel very proud,” said Capellas.
Philippines defender Michael Kempter played down Chalermsak’s statements, and would rather be focused on the preparation as there is still work to be done to overcome Thailand in the second leg.
“We are here to reach the finals and we believe in us. We are not done yet. The job is not done. And we are here to make history for our country,” said Kempter.
Historic win already in the past
Capellas said the team has shifted its focus to the Monday match after the historic result at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
“I am a coach that I never think about the past. I always think about the future. That means what I analyse is how Thailand is playing now, how my team is playing now, and to do our best preparation with the situation that we have now. Past is past. We are only worried about the present and always we work about the future,” said Capellas.
Capellas also has high regard for Thailand football especially after the team trained at the 50,000-seater Rajamangala Stadium, the venue for the second leg.
“I see this big stadium, how much the country and the federation invest in football. I think in (the) Philippines, (we still) have a big room to improve, to make the game stronger. We have to work a lot in our youth academies, in our youth football, in our competition, in our national team.
“I would love to have a place like this with a field like this, that is something that we really have to improve. That is why I think it's a big gap still right now between Philippine football and Thailand football,” the Spanish coach added.
“We are very, very excited. The stadium and the pitch is top. We need all the support from our fans and country. We will fight till the end and try to make everyone proud,” said Capellas.
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