Thailand coach Anthony Hudson expects his side’s ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 Group B clash with the Philippines on Tuesday to be a “complicated contest” as the former champions look to take another step towards the semi-finals at New Clark City Athletics Stadium.
The Thais have started the competition with wins over Laos and Malaysia and a third victory would put the War Elephants, who already lead the Group B standings, on the cusp of a place in the knock-out rounds.
“We are approaching this as an individual match,” said Hudson. “We have watched their opening two games and know that it will be a complicated contest.
“The Philippines are a team we respect. We will approach this match in exactly the same way as our previous two games. We want to arrive ready and prepared to produce a strong performance.”
The Philippines won the previous match between the teams in the competition in Manila in 2024 and, after an opening loss to Myanmar, put themselves back on track with a 4-1 victory against Laos on Saturday that reignited hopes of a sixth semi-final appearance.
“We know the Philippines are a dangerous and well-coached team,” said Hudson. “They try to play good football, and we know it will be a difficult game.
“However, we have arrived with the squad in a very good place and are determined to produce a strong performance. We are excited for the match.”
Thailand lead Group B on goal-difference from Malaysia with six points from their first two matches while the Philippines sit in fourth, three points adrift but a win in front of their own fans would see Carles Cuadrat’s side climb up the standings.
“It will be a very interesting match,” said the Spaniard, who worked as Albert Capellas' assistant during the 2024 championship. “We know Thailand are very difficult opponents and one of the leading teams in the region.
“We also know that the last time they visited the Philippines, they lost. That had not happened for more than 50 years, so I am sure they have learned from that experience and will not want to suffer another defeat on our territory.
“We know it will be a difficult game, but we are preparing the team accordingly.”
With rain forecast, Cuadrat is determined to avoid allowing his players to make the same mistakes that cost the Philippines against Myanmar, when his team lost 4-1 after a heavy downpour.
“Nobody can control the weather,” he said. “Should it happen again tomorrow, I expect a very different performance.
“The players have learned a great deal from that experience. They are intelligent and understand the situations they face, so I believe they will adapt much better if similar conditions arise.”
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