2024-12-27
Tonight, December 27, 2024, Thailand will face the Philippines in the first semi-final of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024. The match will be played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines, kick-off at 21:00 local time (14:00 GMT).
Thailand prepares for the challenge
Under the direction of the head coach Masatada Ishii Thailand's national team has carried out intensive preparations for tonight's match. Since the Rizal Memorial Stadium has artificial turf, the team has adapted its practices to similar conditions to ensure the best possible performance and minimize the risk of injury.
Star players like Suphanat Mueanta, who have shown exceptional form during the tournament, and Chanathip songkrasin, known as "Messi Jay", is ready to lead Thailand to success. The team has been in top form throughout the tournament and has yet to lose a single match.
Philippines – Underdogs with ambition
The Philippines, known as the "Azkals", have advanced to the semifinals as runners-up in Group B after an impressive win over Indonesia. With a strong defense and tactical play, they hope to surprise favorites Thailand. Historically, the Philippines have struggled against Thailand, but their recent performances show they are up for the challenge.
Previous meetings
Thailand and the Philippines have met several times before in the ASEAN Championships, and Thailand has an overwhelming advantage with many victories. The last time the teams met in the 2024 King's Cup, Thailand won 3-1, giving them a psychological advantage going into tonight's match.
Match details
- Date: December 27 2024
- Time: 21:00 local time (14:00 GMT)
- Location: Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, Philippines
- Transmission: The match will be broadcast live on Thairath TV and AIS PLAY for fans in Thailand. International viewers can follow the match via regional sports channels and streaming services:
Key players to watch
- Thailand:
- Suphanat Mueanta - The team's goal-threatening striker.
- Chanathip songkrasin - The midfielder who is the team's creative engine.
- Philippines:
- Their defensive line and strategic style of play are crucial in countering Thailand's attack.
The road to the final
This semi-final is the first of two matches. The second leg will be played on 30 December 2024 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, with the winner of the doubleheader securing a place in the final.
Don't miss the match
This exciting semi-final promises to be a real nail-biter, with two teams fighting to reach the prestigious final of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup. The atmosphere is charged, and fans across Southeast Asia eagerly await kick-off.
Factbox: Semi-Final 1 - ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024
- Match: Philippines vs. Thailand
- Date: December 27 2024
- Time: 21:00 local time (14:00 GMT)
- Location: Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, Philippines
- Basis: Artificial grass
- Shipping in Thailand: Thairath TV and AIS PLAY
The road to the semi-finals:
- Philippines:
- Draw with Myanmar (1–1)
- Draw with Laos (1–1)
- Draw with Vietnam (1–1)
- Victory against Indonesia (1–0)
- Thailand:
- Victory against Timor-Leste (4–0)
- Victory against Malaysia (3–1)
- Win against Singapore (4–2)
- Victory against Cambodia (3–2)
Key players:
- Philippines:
- Bjorn Martin Kristensen: Midfielder with decisive goals in the tournament.
- Quincy Kammeraad: Goalkeeper who impressed in his debut.
- Thailand:
- Suphanat Mueanta: Striker in top form with several goals in the tournament.
- Chanathip Songkrasin: Creative midfielder and team captain.
History:
- Thailand has a strong history against the Philippines in the ASEAN Championships, with several victories in previous meetings.
Notable:
- Philippines team captain, Amani Aguinaldo, is suspended for this match, which may affect the team's defense.
- Thailand's adaptation to artificial turf could be a deciding factor in the match.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: @aseanutdfc, ASEAN-United-FC, original image