By NIKOLE JAVIER
The Philippine Azkals couldn’t follow through its convincing win over Brunei after suffering a 4-0 loss at the hands of defending champion Thailand in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 on Monday, Dec. 26, at the Thammasat Stadium.
The Azkals found their semifinal dreams in peril as the fancied War Elephants proved to be mightier in their home turf to lead Group A.
Just as the Filipinos were building momentum in the group stage, an early goal at the third minute by Teerasil Dangda off a Theerathon Bunmathan’s free kick already put them on the backfoot.
Dangda continued to taunt Azkals defender Julian Schwarzer with his second goal at the 41st minute via a penalty kick which came following Amani Aguinaldo’s foul on Ekanit Panya, giving the War Elephants some more cushion at the half.
The second half saw the Filipinos in deeper crisis once Adisak Kraisorn slipped in another goal with an assist from Dangda come the 57th minute.
With nothing much going on for the Philippines, Suphanan Bureerat followed through six minutes later to make it a four-goal advantage for Thailand.
The Azkals will take on Indonesia on Jan. 2 to wrap up their group stage contest back at home in Rizal Memorial.
Their shot at a semifinal spot depends on the outcome of the top two teams Thailand and Indonesia’s clash on Thursday, Dec. 29, as both teams drawn level in Group A.