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The Philippines host Thailand in Manila on Thursday in the first leg of their ASEAN Championship semi-finals.
Ranked 150th in the world, the Azkals escaped a group stage-exit by the skin of their teeth. Having drawn three in a row, an elimination seemed inevitable. However, Albert Capellas' side overcame Indonesia 1-0 on the road in their last group match, with Bjorn Kristensen striking a 63rd-minute penalty.
With Myanmar losing the other game, the path was clear for the Philippines to finish second, accruing six points as Vietnam won the group with 10. Now, the island side is aiming to seal their place in the cup final for the first time.
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Standing in their way are an in-form Thailand side, though, who won all four of their group fixtures to canter into the last-four. They were the only side at the tournament with such a distinction and came through as the most prolific with a staggering 18 goals.
The War Elephants began their campaign with a 10-0 shellacking of East Timor before seeing off Malaysia 1-0. They then fought back a 2-0 deficit to beat Singapore 4-2 before coming from behind again to beat Cambodia 3-2.
Philippines vs Thailand Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been 24 clashes between the two sides, withy Thailand winning 19 and losing thrice.
- Interestingly, those three defeats for the War Elephants came in their first three encounters with the Philippines: August 1971 (3-1 in Merdeka Tournament), June 1972 (1-0 in King's Cup) and June 1972 (1-0 in Jakarta Trophy).
- The Azkals are winless in 21 clashes with Thailand.
- Masatada Ishii's side won all four of their games at the 2024 ASEAN Championship, netting 18 goals, more than any side. They are also unbeaten in 11 games across competitions.
- The Philippines are unbeaten in four official games, all at the 2024 ASEAN Championship.
Philippines vs Thailand Prediction
The War Elephants have been the best side in the competition, maintaining a 100% record and scoring the most goals. Their rivals, by contrast, have largely struggled and may succumb to their first defeat of the campaign.
Prediction: Philippines 1-3 Thailand
Philippines vs Thailand Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Thailand
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
