|
|
Philippines team manager: We are not underdogs in AFF Cup 2012
Jul 13, 2012 5:25:00 AM
The Azkals team manager insisted that they are no longer considered a surprise package in South-East Asia's major tournament, which kicks off in November in Malaysia and Thailand
Philippines team manager Dan Palami has claimed that his side will not go into the 2012 AFF Cup as underdogs.The Azkals' remarkable performance in 2010, which saw them go undefeated in the group stage on the way to a semi-final loss to Indonesia, has given them enough credit to ensure an automatic qualification into this edition's final stage.
"We are not coming in as a surprise team anymore. We are coming in as one of the favourites," Palami told the competition's official site.
Regarding their chance in a Group A that will also include Thailand and Vietnam in addition to the winner of the qualification round, Palami stated that his team will be ready, despite wishing that the draw had played out differently.
"If we want to win, we have to beat the strongest teams. That is the only way to go about it," he said.
Philippines have been scheduled to face the host Thailand in their opening match on November 24 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
Follow Goal.com Asia on 
and 
for the latest in Asian footballing news, features, and analysis
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Player Ratings: Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Brest
Goal.com takes a closer look at the men involved in PSG's last home game of the season, with David Beckham taking all the focus as he wore the captain's armband
-
Player Ratings: Sampdoria 3-2 Juventus
Goal.com was on hand to cast a judgmental eye on proceedings as Sampdoria recorded a memorable victory over champions Juventus, despite the best efforts of Fabio Quagliarella
-
Player Ratings: Gladbach 3-4 Bayern Munich
Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved in a game that was effectively decided by the brilliance of die Roten forward Franck Ribery
-
Player Ratings: Freiburg 1-2 Schalke
Goal rates the talent on show at the Konigsblauen claimed a nervy win at the Mage Solar Stadion to seal Champions League football for next season
-
Madrid see red after Copa carnage
Cristiano Ronaldo was dismissed as los Blancos lost their heads during a dramatic 2-1 final defeat by their city rivals in an epic final at the Santiago Bernabeu
