Jakarta: Philippines’ coach Sven Goran Eriksson vowed his side will go all-out in clinching a semifinal spot on Sunday night when the Azkals face an already eliminated Indonesian side in their final Group B match in the AFF Suzuki Cup. 

The Azkals have grim memories playing at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here, having lost both legs in their first semifinal appearance in the competition eight years ago, but Eriksson said his players are equipped to cope with the pressure that comes with another big match, following their 1-1 draw against Thailand at home. That result essentially knocked the Indonesians out of the competition. 

“We know it’s a very important game and to lose is a big risk,” said Eriksson. “We want to be in the semifinals and to do that we need a result, which is a win or draw. We don’t expect an easy game because everybody wants to win. It’s a difficult game, but a big game nonetheless.” 

Thailand and Philippines are actually on pace to reach the knockout stage with seven points each, although the Thais hold a superior goal difference. 

But the group could turn on its head if Singapore, who play the Thais in Bangkok in the simultaneous kickoff, and Indonesia can pull off stunning reversals, which could see the Lions, who are at six points, and War Elephants advance, while eliminating the Azkals. 

A Singapore win and a Philippines draw with Indonesia will eliminate Thailand. 

The Swede is aware of the threat that the hosts pose to his side, especially after watching the Indonesians go toe to toe with the Thais early on before suffering a 2-4 defeat in Bangkok on Matchday 3. 

"We saw Indonesia play against Thailand and they played well and only had some bad luck,” said Eriksson. "They seem to have a young team that play with pace. They have good players and we have to we have to defend the very well. In the other way, they can make life difficult for us.”

Eriksson, however, believes his side will be tough to beat as long as it continues to improve its performance in the competition.  

“I thought we were brilliant against Thailand,” he said. "We’re not really going to change anything. We have played the same way in all the games so far. We’re not going to make a revolution."

Having lost two of their first three matches in the competition, Indonesia coach Bima Sakti’s are looking to end the competition on a positive note.  

“This match is still very important to us even if we don’t have any chance to qualify,” said Bima. “We want to end the tournament beautifully.

Indonesia, who lost to the Thais two years ago, have struggled mightily, losing to Singapore, 0-1. Although they beat Timor Leste, 4-1, on matchday 2, the Thais’ 4-2 win at their expense hurt their chances of advancing to the semifinals. 

"We would like to say very sorry for what happened,” said Bima. “I know a lot of people are sad and angry, but this is not the end of Indonesian football. Maybe this could be a turning point for us to learn and improve.”