BANGKOK, Thailand — Alas Pilipinas only has one goal in mind when it returns to action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s indoor volleyball competition today after a one-day break.
“There is only one focus for us: to Win the semifinal. That’s it,” Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni said.
The Filipino spikers eye to repeat a historic feat six years ago against Thailand in the knockout semifinal at the Indoor Stadium Huamark here.
Opening serve of the rematch of the 2019 Manila SEA Games semis is at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time).
Alas is looking to follow the same script of the two squads’ last Final Four meeting when it eliminated the Thais in a come-from-behind five-setter upset that earned the Philippines a first finals appearance in 42 years.
Despite suffering a 17-25, 25-27, 24-26, loss to three-time defending champion Indonesia last Tuesday to end the pool play, Frigoni remains confident about his team’s chances to advance to the biggest stage of the competition for an assured silver medal finish.
“We are doing all we can. To be honest, we did all we could do at this moment. We have this problem with the serve — we’re talking to the players, and they have to get back their confidence. It’s mostly confidence. And after that, we will see what happens,” he said.