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Watch AFF 2010 Suzuki Cup Semifinal Live between the Philippine Azkals and Indonesia December 16, 2010 @ 7 PM
The AFF Suzuki Cup will break new ground later this week with a semi-final line-up that reflects the changing face of football in the Asean region.
South-East Asian powerhouses Thailand and Singapore, both three-time winners of the tournament who between them have played in every final, are missing from the last four with qualifiers the Philippines contesting the semis for the first time.
Malaysia, who have not made the final since the inaugural tournament in 1996, take on defending champions Vietnam in the first leg of their semi-final at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, December 15.
The next day the Phillipines, whose fairytale run to the semis has captivated a country where football normally takes a back seat to boxing and basketball, meet Indonesia, whose fans sense that this could be the opportunity for the national side to rid themselves of the unwanted tag of under-achievers.
The match is technically a home tie for the Philippines but with no stadia in the country meeting the requirements of the AFF Suzuki Cup it will be played at the notoriously intimidating Gelora Bang Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
The young Malaysian side bounced back from a heavy opening defeat at the hands of Indonesia to qualify from Group A at the expense of Thailand who they held to a 0-0 draw before beating Laos 5-1.
It is sure to be an interesting tactical battle in the first leg with Malaysia wary of the counter-attacking prowess that served Vietnam so well in the knockout stages of the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup.
Vietnam sunk Singapore with an away goal in the second leg of the semi-final after a 0-0 draw in the first leg and laid the foundation for their victory in the final with a smash-and-grab 2-1 win over Thailand in Bangkok.
The tireless Nguyen Anh Duc has shouldered more responsibility in the absence of his superstar striking partner Le Cong Vinh and he will have to be shackled if Malaysia are to prevent Vietnam scoring an all-important away goal.
Indonesia, who topped Group A with a maximum nine points and a net-busting tally of 13 goals, will be overwhelming favourites to beat the Philippines over two legs and reach the final for the first time since 2004.
Indonesia have yet to lift the Asean title but the introduction of barrel-chested striker Cristian Gonzales, who was naturalised shortly before the tournament, and Dutch-born Irfan Bachdim has energised the team and the fans.
Skipper Firman Utina was hugely influential in the wins over Malaysia and Laos and the midfielder is sure to return after sitting out the match with Thailand.
Indonesia’s defence looked a bit shaky in the second half against Thailand but the impressive Hamka Hamzah, who missed the game through injury, will shore things up at the back if fit to play.
The Philippines frustrated Vietnam in their 2-0 Group B victory by manning the barricades for 90 minutes and killing the game with two deadly sniper shots.
It will be a big ask for Fulham keeper Neil Etheridge and defenders Alexander Borromeo, Anton Del Rosario and Rob Gier to repeat their heroics at the back and for Phil Younghusband and Chris Greatwich to be as lethal up front especially with both legs being played at the Gelora Bang Karno.
There is no doubting the commitment of the Azkals and the tactical awareness new coach Simon McMenemy has brought to the side and they will not let the dream die easily.
LIVE STREAMING LINKS will be available 30 minutes before the fight starts, please visit again
