AZKALS vs MONGOLIA 2
The game so far has been of a low quality but its hugely refreshing to watch a game where egos are massively inflated and playing for your country really does mean a lot to these individuals, some players that you may have heard of before that are playing include the Younghusband brothers (Phil and James, both were in the Chelsea youth set up) and Neil Eitheridge (Fulham 3rd choice GK), in a country which is about 150th ranked according to FIFA it also was amazing to see that they even have "live sites" at numerous malls as well as the game being a sell out. Which to me really is a great sign of intention from the Filipino people to really embrace Football.
Key battle: Donorovyn Lkhümbengarav vs Ian Araneta – Lkhumbengarav is the captain of the Mongolian National Football Team and is one of the top scorers of the team. The 33 years old defender last scored in their 3-1 victory against Macau in 2009. On the other hand, Ian Araneta scored his first international hat-trick during the 2010 Long Teng Cup against Macau in a 5-nil game. A very strong striker and a constant threat up front with his tenacity and eye for goal.
Prediction: Azklas may have the experience compared to Mongolia but the Mongols displayed a pretty decent football for the last 12 years (of joining FIFA) while Azkals just found their form after almost a century. There is so much to say about football history for both national teams, what is important now is how ready they are. Former Azkals Coach Simon McMenemy believes that the boys will win 3-nil. This match is also important to current German Coach Hans Michael Weiss. It will be a make or break challenge for him. All have been said, now let’s see and wait for the results and cheer for our Azkals.