Jakarta: Philippines coach Sven Goran Eriksson hailed his team’s "big heart” after the Azkals qualified for the semifinals following a goalless draw with Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium last Sunday night. 

Although the Azkals could have advanced with a loss after Thailand beat Singapore, 3-0, in Bangkok, Eriksson took delight over how his team survived a tough Group B and reached the knockout round for the fourth time in the last five editions of the tournament. 

The Philippines finished second to Thailand in Group B with eight points, on two wins and two draws. 

“It was okay we qualified for the semifinals, everyone is happy,” said Eriksson. “I like our team, I like it very much, we have a lot of good football players and we are playing with a big heart I’m proud of the team, we qualified and had a good game against Indonesia."

Eriksson’s men will face Group A’s top team Vietnam in the semifinals with the first leg set at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City on Sunday. 

The second leg is slated Dec. 6 in Hanoi, where the Philippines recorded its biggest win in the competition eight years ago when they stunned then defending champion Vietnam, 2-0, at My Dinh Stadium.

“(The match against) Vietnam is in one week and we look forward to that,” said Eriksson. “It’s good for all the players that the game is next Sunday because we need these days to recover.” 

One player who needs that time to recover is Philippines captain Phil Younghusband, who suffered a cut on his head following a clash of heads with Indonesian defender Fachruddin Aryanto in the 23rd minute that needed four stitches to close.

“Phil is our captain, our important player on the pitch,” Eriksson said. “I know that they went for stitches and he was a little bit dizzy, but I don’t think it will be a problem for the next match.”