THE Philippines absorbed a heartbreaking 1-2 setback to nemesis Thailand last Tuesday night to bow out of contention in the AFF Suzuki Cup at the Singapore National Stadium.
Veteran striker Theerasil Dangda continued to be the big thorn on the Azkals’ side, scoring a brace, including the match-winning penalty kick in the 76th minute, lifting the War Elephants to their third straight win in Group A and a guaranteed spot in the semifinals.
Patrick Reichelt scored in the 56th minute for the Filipinos, who absorbed their second loss in three games and failed to reach the semis of Southeast Asia’s premier men’s football tournament for only the second time since their maiden semifinal appearance in the 2010 edition.
The Singapore Lions also booked their place in the semis with a 2-0 shutout of Timor Leste in the other match to keep pace with the Thais, both with nine points apiece, as they dispute group top spot on Saturday.
