Tune-up games await PHL eleven in Bangkok

The Philippine national men’s football team left for Bangkok on Wednesday to play tune-up matches before plunging into action in the preliminary stage of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2010 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Suzuki Cup will be jointly hosted by Vietnam and Indonesia from December 2 to 9. Matches will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno and Gelora Sriwijaya stadiums in Jakarta and Palembang, and at Hanoi’s My Dinh National and Hàng Đẫy stadiums.

Despite encountering problems during their training, like lack of a regular practice venue, the Nationals’ American coach Simon Alexander McMenemy remains optimistic of their chances in the tournament AFF-organized tournament.

McMenemy said his wards face a tough campaign after being grouped with defending champion Vietnam, Singapore and Myanmar in Group B of the tournament that offers a total of $100,000 prize money.

"Realistically, we’re the underdogs, with Singapore and defending champion Vietnam in the group," said McMenemy. “But anything we achieve in this tournament will be a bonus. It will be difficult because they are stronger and most of their players are full-time professionals,"

"We can beat Myanmar. We can gain three points against them and if we can be competitive against Singapore, then we have a good chance," added McMenemy.

"That will be the gauge," said MccMenemy. "It has to be a continuation of the good that this team has done during the qualifier."

Veteran players Ali Borromeo and Anton Del Rosario were also optimistic about their chances.

"We have to make a big impact against Singapore. If we can do that, then we have a good chance to advance," said Borromeo.

"Actually, we can match up with them. Our team is very passionate and we really want to do well," added Del Rosario. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV