If this is the case then FIFA also needs to count the qualification matches as "continental qualifiers" as well.
Tajikistan are a decent outfit at this level, but part of me hopes that this result is because of their recent exposure at WCQ level. If it is, then it might just shake up the AFC to include everyone in Asian Cup qualification.
Although what you say is correct, I do think the majorty would agree that that stage is a level below what we see now. Not sure how many ranking points would be at stake as we have very lowly ranked teams going up against each other anyway.
I am on course with my predictions even though Palestine have got a weakened squad to this cup, I still feel they have the strengh to win it.. India unfortunately will be blown away and need to result into making there I-league stronger, and maybe trying to change the rules of getting Indian decent players playing overseas to make the national team stronger... everyone does it,. why not India?? On this note, I hope North Korea DO NOT win this comp..No offence to North Korea, but I feel they should not be in this competition at all.. they are far superior then the "Challenge Cup" participants.
Relieved that we're not going to end this tournament with zero points. I feel a little bad for Nepal even though their head coach is a complete tool. Wonder whether Roberts is going to stay there or not.
SAFF nations truly suck man no wonder we are regarded as the weakest region in World Football. Maldives next face tough Palestine and I doubt their chances.Also there is no way India going to beat both North Korea and Philippines. This edition is certainly the best edition of Challenge Cup with some good deserving teams playing in it.
It is too bad that host Nepal will probably not get a point out of this tournament after all the preparations and expense they have made to ensure that this tournament was successful. This edition of the Challenge Cup is just the most competitive ever.
It's halftime right now. Philippines leads 1-0 against India. Goal scored by Phil Younghusband in the 12th minute.
2-0 Philippines. Azkals tied with Tajikistan for 2nd place on points as well as goal differential. Next game against Tajikistan decides it all as I predicted pretournament for the 2nd slot in Group B. North Korea deservedly tops the group and is clear favourite to win it all.
And with Tajik's and Phil's having the same record then it would go down to penalties if the sides draw the final game!!
If the Philippines and Tajikistan draw, who will advance? They're both even on goal differential, most goals scored, and least goals against. What is the next tiebreaker option? Penalty kicks?
So we have two epic deciders. Palestine vs Maldives We have no option but to win this, so it's safe to say that Palestine are clear favourites. We must go out all guns blazing and try to nick a goal, and having our worst defence in 12 years I am not confident at all. Tajikistan vs Philippines Looking forward to this one as there's all to play for. A penalty shootout will be epic from a neutral perspective. Not sure if their fans are going to agree with me.
No thanks Fureeku A clear win in regulation time for the Philippines would be better. I don't need the heartache and suspense of penalty kicks deciding who goes through.
Looks like North Korea are on track in winning this cup, I am hoping Palestine or Turkmenistan do step up and hopefully take the title of them, as currently both Tajikistan and Philippines could not beat them...
Well I am hoping the Philippines will improve with every game just like they have already done from game 1 to game 2. They haven't really had a chance to develop team cohesion as they come from different clubs from different parts of the world in the first game, with some Filipinos not even having played yet after arriving late, unlike the North Koreans who have been playing with each other a long time. It might be a different story if we meet them again in the finals assuming we reach that far. First things first of course, is to try to make it past Tajikistan with both teams having even chances of making it through.
Yes I am really hoping Flios do well. I like the fact that they have so many players around the world, and potentially can become a strong team if clubs permit players. Other then that they have created a profressional league and there domestic players are becoming better. all the best
Congratulations Palestine, a deserved win. Ironically this was probably our best performance of the tournament. Will be rooting for Palestine against (most probably) North Korea.