The Philippines is ready for another collision with Thailand but this time all will be at stake as the two nations dispute the title Sunday night, July 17, in the 2022 AFF Women's Championship tonight at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Filipinas, gaining full momentum from their 4-0 domination against defending champion Vietnam, not only gun for the coveted crown but also seek to avenge their only loss in the tournament, against the Thais (1-0) last July 12, in front of probably the largest crowd anticipated at 7:30 p.m.
In the same venue at 4 p.m., Vietnam takes on Myanmar, which absorbed a 2-0 loss against Thailand, in the battle-for-third place.
The World Cup-bound Filipinas achieved yet another milestone as the first national football team to reach the finals of a major international competition and head coach Alen Stajcic couldn't be happier.
"To make the first final in history (by a Philippine football team) is a massive occasion. It is a special moment," said Stajcic.
"It was a complete performance, probably it was the best performance that the Philippine women’s team had in international football," added the Australian mentor as the Filipinas put on a show with their 4-0 mastery against the Vietnamese side behind the efforts of Hali Long, Tahnai Annis, and Sarina Bolden.
Annis and Bolden, who scored a hat trick in their 4-1 rout of Indonesia last July 10, continue to provide the firepower and became the consistent voice of the team in the tournament.
Still, Stajcic wants his wards to remain grounded and focused on winning and redemption as the Thais have already got the best of them once.
But what makes it worse is that the second goal that the Philippines conceded was due to a miscommunication.
"This win is just a stepping stone in setting a new milestone. We look forward to the final and taking revenge after beating us earlier. I’m greedy and hungry more for more," said the 48-year-old Australian mentor, considering the threat posed by Thailand as the "big one left."
And for one last time, Stajcic has urged more fans to grace the Rizal Memorial Stadium to watch and support the Filipinas in the finals.
"Certainly, we are going to need that last bit of oxygen and energy. The more the Filipinas feel that love, the better they will be able to perform."