Thailand vs. Azkals: Preview, Live Stream and Schedule for Suzuki Cup 2014

Thailand and the Philippines will battle it out for a spot in the the final of the 2014 Suzuki Cup when they clash at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium in the second leg of the semi-final.

The home side will be overwhelming favourites to progress to the last two of the competition, but the Azkals showed plenty in the first leg—which was drawn 0-0 in the Philippines—to suggest they’re capable of springing a surprise. 

Here’s all the information you need on where to catch the upcoming clash and a closer look at the two teams involved.

When: Wednesday Dec. 10, at 12 p.m. GMT/ 7 a.m. ET

Where: Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok

Live Stream: AFFSuzukiCup.com (broadcasting restrictions apply)

Azkals Hoping To Upset The Odds

Wong Maye-E/Associated Press

The Philippines pushed Thailand all the way in the first leg and although the match finished in a 0-0 stalemate, it was an absorbing spectacle from first whistle to last. And despite being rank outsiders for the title, the Azkals will feel aggrieved not taking a lead into the second leg, especially after the visitors were reduced to 10 men.

Philippines manager Thomas Dooley was delighted with his team’s effort and thinks if they can keep it tight in the early stages, his team are capable of progressing, per affsuzukicup.com:

"

This game was another step forward just as it was after the game against Indonesia. We didn’t win but we should be happy with the way we played.

If we can hold them for the first 15 to 20 minutes (on Wednesday) I think we can have a good chance.

"

Bullit Marquez/Associated Press

The second leg should see Thailand have a little bit more of the ball, and the supporters inside the Rajamangala will surely prompt their side to play with increased risk and added attacking flair. After all, in the previous leg, a stringent Philippines limited the favourites to just one shot on target, per the Suzuki Cup Twitter account:

That should act as encouragement for Dooley’s team, but it's going to be perilously difficult to beat a Thailand side that are typically formidable on home soil. Indeed, up until their draw with the Azkals, the War Elephants had won every game at a canter in this competition, giving the impression there is still plenty to come from this side as the tournament moves towards the business end.

Bullit Marquez/Associated Press

The man the Philippines will be relying on to snaffle any chances is Philip Younghusband, a player that has been central to their success in this tournament and indeed, the positives strides the Azkals have made in football as a whole. Chances may not come around so readily at such a tough venue, so the forward needs to be forensically clinical in front of goal.

Adisak Kraisorn is the player Thailand would typically be looking towards to conjure the chances that could send the hosts through. But the Azkals nullified the influence of the rangy forward in the first leg, and his frustration eventually told when he lashed out at an opposing player and received his marching orders:

Nonetheless, it’s difficult to see anything other than a comfortable Thailand victory in this one. The Azkals have done marvellously to get this far, and if they had something to cling onto going into the match, then they might have a chance. But the War Elephants have too much class and will waltz into the final of the Suzuki Cup.

Prediction: Thailand 3-0 Philippines