BROTHERS Philip and James Younghusband, both members of the Philippine men’s football team better known as “Azkals,” cautioned that Mongolia is not a pushover booters squad. The Azkals’ first match in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifying series will be against Mongolia. The event is slated February 9 in Panaad Stadium, Bacolod City.
“You can’t judge a team by its world ranking,” said the 23-year-old Philip, referring to Mongolia’s 183rd FIFA (Fédération Internationale De Football Association) ranking, adding, “But obviously, we have a chance against Mongolia.”

The Philippines is rank 150th among 203 nations around the world.

Philip, the younger of the Younghusbands, who scored the country’s second goal against Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup last year, said the Azkals should play aggressively against the “rugged” Mongolian team.

James, 24, also told reporters during the Philippine Sportswriters Association weekly forum in Manila that the Azkals need to focus on training and conditioning to pass through the qualifying stage of the AFC Challenge Cup. “We will start our training and preparation today. There is a great feeling when one plays for the team and for the country,” said James, who also promoted the Younghusbands Football Academy.

The Younghusbands welcomed the appointment of new Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss though they were open on their disappointment about the replacement of their former British mentor Simon McMenemy, “We are disappointed after they replaced Simon but we are looking forward to training under our new coach. And since it is New Year and the Philippine Football Federation is under new management, I’m sure it’s good for the team,” said Philip.

McMenemy, who steered the Azkals to reach the Suzuki Cup semifinals last year was replaced because he is not a Union European Football Association licensed coach yet.

James, for his part, thanked the Germany Football Association for providing assistance to Philippine football, “We are looking forward to work with him [Weiss].”

Germany, who’s known to provide heavy funding to its football program, entered the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup.