Suzuki Cup: Philippines vs Cambodia

Tuesday 26th October 2010
ESPN Star

Philippines coach Simon McMenemy insists his side will look to attack Cambodia despite only needing a point to progress.

With the Philippines managing a 2-2 draw with hosts Laos on Sunday, the Pinoys will only need a draw at the National Sports Complex in Vientiane in order to advance, but McMenemy believes that his side should take the game to Cambodia.

Speaking to the competition's website, he said: "It was a crucial goal at the end of the match against Laos. We deserved it and in the bigger picture, it made a significant difference for what we need in our final game in order to qualify for the group stage.

"However, we do intend to go into the game with Cambodia looking for a draw. We want to win."

McMenemy admitted he was not impressed with the Pinoy's performance against Laos, but gave them credit for coming back after being two goals down at half-time.

"I felt that we were deserving of a point and you can see a lot of improvement in the players", he said.

"In the past, Philippines footballers have been criticised for not showing too much passion.

"If the team was losing by two goals, they were unlikely to come back from that position.

"But we have been working on our team spirit and the players showed after half-time that they were not prepared to lie down and fought until the very end. I'm very pleased with the passion and endeavour that they showed.

The English coach dismissed doubts about Emelio Caligdong's fitness, despite the player being stretchered off after a knock on his thigh during their clash with Laos.

"He's feeling very sore right now but we will put him his paces in training and he should be okay," McMenemy said.

"He's like rubber so he should bounce back quickly."

The Philippines have a good record against Cambodia in the Suzuki Cup, winning 1-0 in 2007 and 3-2 in 2006, and Cambodia's coach Lee Tae-hon is aware of the task at hand for his side.

"Philippines have a good team and they are also strong physically," said the South Korean.

"However, we have a determined side who want to win. I will prepare them as well as possible and I have strong confidence that they can get past this qualifying round."

The winner between the two sides will top the qualifying group, as both Laos and Timor Leste are out of the running for the top spot.