Kuala Lumpur: Philippines goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard insists they have to raise their game to stand a chance of pulling out an upset against defending champion Thailand, after the Azkals scrambled to a 3-2 victory over Timor Leste in their AFF Suzuki Cup Group B clash here. 

The Azkals went three goals up at KLFA Football Stadium after Phil Younghusband, Martin Steuble and Carlie De Murga scored, but late strikes from Nataniel Reis and Joao Pedro set the stage for a nervy finish. 

Still, the Azkals are on track of reaching the semifinals after getting maximum points in their first two matches just like the Thais. 

Looking ahead to their duel with the Thais at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod on Wednesday, Falkesgaard said they cannot afford to make mistakes the way they did against Timor Leste when they meet the War Elephants in their top of the table encounter. 

"Of course we need to look back in this game and get some things straightened,” Falkesgaard said. "It was not good enough, the players know it. It doesn’t feel like a victory right now because the way we played. Up with three goals, it should be a secured win easily and it wasn’t and now we have to focus on Thailand. We are going to meet an opponent that has the quality to make it hard for us and we need to prepare for that and be better in situations like this." 

Falkesgaard will be familiar of the Thai players, having spent the last season at Bangkok United. 

"Of course I know a lot of the players I know the way they want to play, but in the end its the quality of the players,” said Falkesgaard. "It will be a difficult game for us. From my perspective, its Thailand that has the best chance of going through this group right now and we really need get a good result at home so with the support of our country, we will make it hard on them.” 

Coach Sven Goran Eriksson handed Falkesgaard his first start in the competition after Neil Etheridge was rested due to a minor thigh problem. But with Etheridge returning to Cardiff City at the close of the international window, Falkesgaard could see himself starting for the Azkals for the remainder of the tournament. 

"The first half was good, I enjoyed it,” said Falkesgaard of their performance  “In the second half we were not good enough, but in this tournament, the three points is all that matters.”