The Philippine Azkals are now ready to face the visiting Mongolia Blue Wolves in Bacolod City. The game between the Philippine Azkals and Mongolia Football Team is the openning match for the Asian Challenge Cup qualifier. The next game will be held in Mongolia. Right now the Azkals have the homecourt advantage.
Prior to the match against Mongolian Blue Wolves which was scheduled today, Wednesday, the Philippines had a tough time beating the Negros Azukals who managed to got a draw with a score of 4-4. The Negros Azukals were manned by former national football team members. The Azkals however proved to be superior enough against the Ilo-ilo based South Korean team, beating with a score 4-1 in favor of Azkals.
The Mongolian Blue Wolves team were unknown, their FIFA ranked was at 182, while the Philippine ranked at 152. Donorovyn Lkhümbengarav and Ganbaataryn Tögsbayar were the two Mongolians top scorer. The Mongolian football team was coached by Erdenebat Sandagjorg.
The Philippine Azkals readiness were further beffed up by the arrivals of Etheridge together with Fil-British Rob Geir and Fil-Dutch Ray Jonsson. They will add power to Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario and the two Younghusbands.
German coach Hans Michael Weiss have done a tremendous jobs in getting the Azkals defense more systematic this time. According to Dan Palami the general manager of the Azkals, he told reporters that the players are well prepared and their is no injury especially to his key players.
The Azkals final line-up were Aly Borromeo, Eduard Sacapano, Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Jerry Barbaso, Ken Relucio, Joebil Bermejo, Rob Gier, Ray Jonnson, Nestorio Margarse, Emilio Caligdong, Simon Greatwich, Peter Jaugan, Mark Ferrer, James Younghusbands, Reymark Palmes, Jason de Jong, Patrick Hinrichsin, Jason Sabio, Phil Younghusband and Ian Araneta.
Whatever the outcome of this game whether the Azkals proved their worth as the flag bearer of the Philippine Football Team or it needs overhaul. The game between the two countries and the support given by the people will surely be a good indication that Filipinos nowadays are beginning to embrace football.
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