JUST after the Philippines smothered Indonesia in Surakarta, Patrick Reichelt announced his retirement from international duties to be with his wife. The Reichelts are expecting the birth of their first child and it is understandable that Kiki would prioritize his family over the national team or even practically all other matters as any Dad would. Kiki has been with the national team for the last 13 years and we couldn’t ask for more.
“We are expecting our first child in a few days, and it felt right to head home and focus on my family life. It’s a new chapter for us,and with it comes the conclusion of my international journey,” he shared. Kiki has 93 caps and 16 international goals for the Philippines.
Just the same time, Patrick Deyto also announced that he could no longer be with the team, too, because of an injury he suffered during the opening minutes of the game against Indonesia for the rest of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024.
In his IG post, Deyto thanked everyone for the support given to him since the tournament started which has been very difficult for him to say the least, especially off the pitch. Any lesser mortal would have folded under the pressure and negativity, but Deyto, in his usual calm demeanor, took all the punches, rolled with them and gave his all.
“No way around this one though. Time to take a step away from the sport I love for now, but I will keep believing in myself and that things will become better because the belief is fundamental to staying alive,” he said.
A familiar fixture with the national team since 2014, Deyto never said no to national-team duties. Just like Reichelt, he, too, was always ready to answer whenever the flag and country beckoned.
Thank you for your services Patrick Reichelt and Patrick Deyto!
Aside from Reichelt and Deyto, team captain and veteran center back Amani Aguinaldo will be out tonight against Thailand. He will serve a one-game suspension for accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage. But on a bright note, Santi Rublico will play his first game in the tournament against the defending champs. The team is also coming off a morale-boosting win against Indonesia. Another welcome fact is the Philippines remains unbeaten in the tournament. These intangibles will matter in the country’s first semifinal in the biggest tournament in the region after six years.
Just the same, Freddy Gonzalez, team manager and Director of National Senior Teams of the Philippine Football Federation, knows that getting past Thailand is one big task.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough match as Thailand likes to keep possession and press like we do. It’s definitely going to be a battle,” he said.
He also said the rest the team had during the Christmas break has definitely helped the team after playing four games in nine days during the eliminations.
“The players have had a chance to recuperate a little and are motivated and excited to play in front of the home crowd. The importance of this game in particular is not lost on them as if we get a good result here then it puts us in prime position for the next leg,” he explained.
The Philippines has not beaten Thailand in their last 10 matches. The War Elephants are also unbeaten so far in the tournament and are considered invincible. But football is football. On any given night, even the weakest teams have a chance to score an upset against the overwhelming favorites.
“We have to take our chances and if we can score early, it should settle us down and put the pressure onto Thailand. The players have to be focused mentally for the whole match,” Gonzalez said.
Regarding the starting line-up against the Thais, Gonzalez is not saying anything, but he expects coach Albert Capellas to be at his best and will be up to the challenge in the country’s biggest game so far. Gonzalez is also keeping his faith and support to all the players that have done wonders for the team despite the odds.
“We are at the point in the tournament, where you can’t make any easy mistakes and give the opponent chances. We have to be mentally tough throughout the whole match,” he added.
The Philippines, which never enjoyed any realistic chances of advancing to the final four before the start of the tournament due to unavailability of the usual big names and other concerns, has continued to surprise us. Even the usual fixtures in the final four, which has been saying all the negative bulls and shits against our team, have to accept the fact that all they can do now is watch and sulk even further. Unlike our campaign, theirs have ended in embarrassments, to say the least.
Now it is the fans’ turn. Let’s show up and rally behind the team against Thailand.
Tonight, the fight resumes. Laban, Pilipinas!
On a personal note, The Designated Kit Man extends our sympathies and prayers to the family of former PFF Secretary General Atty. Edwin Gastanes, who passed away on Christmas Eve.
Rest in peace, Atty. Ed.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
