Azkals Captain Predicts 3-0 Blowout Over Mongolia

“It’s going to be 3-0 for the Azkals.”

A fearless forecast indeed for Azkals’ centerback and team captain Aly Borromeo as the once whipping boys of Southeast Asia take on a virtually unknown Mongolian squad on February 9 at the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City.

The 27-year-old versatile defender (and obviously a hot-hot hunk, too!) also added that their focus is not only to win the game, but win it by as many goals as they can to gain as much advantage over the Mongolians come second leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying showdown.

Mongolia as you probably know it, is not only famous for their Mongolian rice and barbecue, Genghis Khan, and the tongue-twisting name of their president (Tsakhjagin Elbegdorj), but is also well-known for their brutally cold and windy climate, especially in Ulaan Baatar, the venue for their home game against the Philippines.

It’s really crucial for the Azkals to win the game here in Panaad with a big lead since Mongolia will obviously have an advantage in the second leg playing not only in front of their cheering homecrowd but a bigger advantage playing in its favorite climate. (Unless the Azkals start training in a giant refrigerator.)

Borromeo, also the MVP of the recently concluded LBC United Football League, added that they have to prove that they’re better than the Mongols. While the Philippines is currently ranked very loooow by FIFA at 150, the Mongolians however are hell-deeper at 182. They also have the distinction of the only country to lose against Guam, a notoriously lackluster team in football.

Overconfidence really doesn’t have a place in the Azkals’ system. With so much preparation and millions of Filipinos’ high expectations tagged onto them, losing against Mongolia will not only disappoint the Filipino fans, but might kill the newfound budding interest of this country in football.

To Borromeo and the rest of the team: Pleeeease, don’t disappoint us. Beat the hell out of them and make us proud once again! MM

(Photo used with the permission of Paolo Dolina.)