AFF Cup 2024: Coach Kim Sang-sik ‘sees’ Indonesia, Philippines

DTHE FINAL ENDLESS IS SHOWN

4 of the 5 teams in Group B AFF Cup (VN, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar) have appeared in the first round, only the Philippines have not appeared due to a break from competition. In the second series of matches taking place today (December 12), the Philippine team will take on Myanmar at Rizal Memorial home field at 5:30 p.m.

Philippine football is going through a period of purging both the players and the coaching staff. 6 years after receiving a ticket to the AFF Cup semi-finals thanks to naturalization resources, the Philippine team has returned to the ground. The team nicknamed “The Azkals” has made progress thanks to players of Filipino origin playing in the US and Europe, but cannot just borrow outside strength, they need to have strong enough internal strength to maintain their achievements. . Defects in youth training, combined with an underdeveloped domestic league, mean the Philippines does not have a source of good enough players. After the 2018 AFF Cup, the Philippines stopped early in important tournaments such as the 2019 Asian Cup, 2020 and 2022 AFF Cups, 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Up to now, coach Albert Capellas and his team are only a mid-range team. in Southeast Asia.

However, we cannot be subjective about the Philippines. “The Azkals” still has a group of tall players with good speed and ability to compete. Although the purely European style of counter-attacking defense and prioritizing wing-to-wing headers does not help the Philippines go far, in a specific match, Mr. Capellas’s team can still create surprises, as it did to coach Kim Sang- sik had to go through a tough match on his debut day. The artificial turf on the Rizal Memorial field is also the fulcrum of the Philippines, as the rolling speed and bounce of the ball on this field are very different from natural grass fields. Against the Myanmar team, which has plenty of fire and determination but lacks experience, the Philippines can take 3 points.

Besides watching the Philippines and Myanmar match, coach Kim Sang-sik and his students will also study the competition between Indonesia and Laos, taking place at 8:00 p.m. at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The “hard-fought” victory over Myanmar (1-0) in the opening match showed both Indonesia’s strengths and weaknesses. The island team has youth and ambition thanks to the U.21 players, but also because of its youth, Indonesia lacks the stability and discipline necessary to maintain the pace of play. It was Indonesia who was pressured and dominated for most of the match, before the throw-in “specialty” helped the away team slip through the narrow window to win.

CAMPACIA FALLS BECAUSE OF MISTAKES

The Cambodian team caused a surprise on their opening day in Group A when they drew 2-2 against Malaysia. Coach Koji Gyotoku’s team demonstrated a fiery attacking style of play, controlling the game well and taking advantage of opportunities. However, it is too early to say that the mood of Cambodian football has changed. In the match with Singapore last night on December 11, two unnecessary mistakes by goalkeeper Dara made the visiting Cambodia team pay the price. In the 9th and 16th minutes respectively, Dara mishandled his teammates’ back passes, giving Faris Ramli and Shawal Anouar goals. With a quick 2-goal advantage, Singapore then played leisurely. In the second half, Cambodia pressed the field but only Chanthea’s goal shortened the score in the 59th minute. In the end, Singapore won 2-1 to get their first 3 points.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian team came back to defeat Timor Leste with a score of 3-2. With 4 points, the team nicknamed “Tiger” temporarily occupies the top spot in Thailand.