(FM'17) Кracking Кyrgyzstan - An Impossible International Dream. The Reboot.

[neilhoskins77]

February/March 2017

At the start of the new month, one Senior players career takes a new path, while anothers is ended. Centre back Tamirlan Kozubaev was the subject of interest from several clubs across the Continent. He had his heart set on a move to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia his preferred destination. He would eventually get his move though, ending up in the Philippines, moving to Football League Champions of that nation, Ceres-Negros FC, who paid around £1,500 for his signature from Dordoy. His new club go right into the Group Stage of the Confederations Cup, and while it's not currently one of Asia's top ranked League's, it is on the up.

Goalkeeper Kirill Priadkin has decided to call time on his playing career, and has retired at the age of 39. He earned 15 caps for his country, most of them during my reign, and he played the large part of his pro football career in Kazakhstan. During a career that lasted twenty two years, he won one Kyrgyzstani Title, two Kazakh Premier League Titles, and a pair of Kazakh First League Titles. He now has ambitions to be a Goalkeeping Coach, and it's immediately clear he would be a very good one as well. We can't miss opportunities to improve any aspect of the National Squad, and Ulugbek Joldoshov is relieved of his duties, with Priadkin taking as his place as the Senior sides Goalkeeping Coach.

This is going to be a big month for the our Under-23 side, and the Kyrgyzstan FA take the chance to double check that I want to continue looking after that age group side. No thought required for that one, I'm looking forward to a huge year of competitive action, and that very much includes the age group sides. The draw for the Under-23 Asian Nations Cup Qualifiers takes place in just a few short weeks.

The 2018 edition of the tournament will be held in South Korea, and the hosts have of course earned automatic qualification. The current holders of the competition, Japan, do have to qualify though. When the draw is made, it doesn't go too badly for us. We're drawn into Group B, which is a five nation group, making qualification from second place much more likely. The big guns in the Group, and very much the favourites are Uzbekistan, who will also host the action when it gets underway in mid July. Once more we have been paired up with our neighbours from Tajikistan, and the pundits believe we may well be fighting with them for second place, with Bhutan and Bangladesh not expected to be challenging for the qualification places.

After being announced as Group hosts, Uzbekistan have to now decide on the venue, and they have chosen the MXSK in the capital city of Toshkent. The 31 year old stadium has a capacity of 16,000 and is in good condition, with a very good grass playing surface. The Group will begin on Saturday 15th July, but we will not play our first match until the Monday, where we will face hosts and favourites Uzbekistan in a late afternoon kick off. From there we'll play every other day, with Bhutan next in an evening match, Tajikistan on the Friday afternoon, followed by the finale in the last match of the Group against Bangladesh. If we're still in the running on the last day, we'll know exactly what we need to do going into that match.

In February's FIFA World Rankings, we have moved back up one spot in the 116th place we had occupied back at the end of last year. That increase would be outdone in mid March, when the squad received a boost just days before the most important squad announcement so far. We have moved up 8 places, taking us to 108th in the Rankings, a new record high since I took charge just over a year ago, and a shot in the arm right before we play our first competitive football.

Kyrgyzstan Senior National Squad Announcement
Nepal (189th) - Away (24/3/17 at Halchowk Stadium, Kathmandu, Nepal) International Friendly
Laos (=174th) - Away (28/3/17 at Chao Anouvong Stadium, Vientiane, Laos) Asian Nations Cup Qualifiers, Group D

| Name                  | Position       | Age      | Club                     | Height   | Value    | Caps     | Goals    | 

| Pavel Matyash         | GK             | 29       | UiTM (MAS)               | 6'6"     | £0       | 10       | 0        | 
| Vakhitzhan Akbaraliev | GK             | 27       | Alay                     | 6'3"     | £475     | 0        | 0        | 
| Maxim Agapov          | GK             | 29       | Abdysh-Ata               | 6'1"     | £825     | 5        | 0        | 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| Manas Zhutanov        | D (RLC)        | 25       | Alay                     | 5'11"    | £1.1K    | 10       | 0        | 
| Valery Kichin         | D (LC)         | 24       | Yenisey (RUS)            | 5'11"    | £27K     | 22       | 1        | 
| Azamat Baymatov       | D (C)          | 27       | Alay                     | 6'3"     | £600     | 29       | 3        | 
| Shuhrat Rahmonov      | D (C)          | 28       | Alay                     | 6'3"     | £925     | 3        | 0        | 
| Tamirlan Kozubaev     | D (C)          | 22       | Ceres (PHI)              | 6'1"     | £27K     | 9        | 0        | 
| Ulug'beq Mo'minov     | D/WB (R)       | 32       | Alay                     | 5'11"    | £95      | 5        | 0        | 
| Sherzod Shakirov      | D/WB (L)       | 26       | Alay                     | 5'11"    | £550     | 17       | 0        | 
| Vadim Kharchenko      | D/WB/M (R)     | 32       | Dordoy                   | 5'9"     | £80      | 31       | 1        | 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| Daniel Tagoe          | DM             | 31       | Busaiteen (BHR)          | 5'10"    | £0       | 18       | 0        | 
| Sergej Evljuskin      | DM, M (C)      | 29       | Kassel (GER)             | 5'10"    | £48.5K   | 10       | 0        | 
| Bakyt Kashkaev        | DM, M (C)      | 28       | Kara-Balta               | 5'11"    | £1K      | 3        | 0        | 
| Ilzat Akhmetov        | M (L), AM (RLC)| 19       | Rubin (RUS)              | 5'8"     | £190K    | 1        | 0        | 
| Bektur Talgat         | M (C)          | 22       | Churchill Bros (IND)     | 5'9"     | £19.5K   | 1        | 0        | 
| Ahletdin Israilov     | M (C), AM (RC) | 22       | Cherkaskyi Dnipro (UKR)  | 5'7"     | £42.5K   | 8        | 1        | 
| Anton Zemlianukhin    | M/AM (RC)      | 28       | Unattatched              | 5'9"     | £0       | 27       | 9        | 
| Karim Izrailov        | M/AM (LC)      | 30       | Navy FC (THA)            | 6'0"     | £27K     | 10       | 0        | 
| Edgar Bernhardt       | AM (RL)        | 30       | Rödinghausen (GER)       | 5'9"     | £8.25K   | 18       | 3        | 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| Tosin Aleriwa         | ST (C)         | 27       | Abdysh-Ata               | 5'8"     | £725     | 6        | 4        | 
| Ivan Filatov          | ST (C)         | 29       | Minerva Punjab (IND)     | 5'11"    | £24.5K   | 3        | 0        | 
| Vitalij Lux           | ST (C)         | 28       | Unterhaching (GER)       | 6'0"     | £10.5K   | 21       | 7        | 

This squad is named on the morning that the domestic season gets underway, and shows that there are now some gaps to be filled, and that there are some dynamic changes in the background of Kyrgyz football. With Kirill Priadkin now a member of the backroom staff instead of the playing squad. His replacement is Vakhitzhan Akbaraliev of Alay Osh, leading us into the first real change in the squad. With Manas Zhutanov and Sherzod Shakirov both joining the Alay club, there is suddenly something of a one club monopoly over the defence. Tamirlan Kozubaev is carrying a knock, but should be fit for both games.

The midfield is a different story however. All but two of our midfielders play abroad, and one of the two is Anton Zemlianukhin. Still without a club, the nations leading all time International goalscorer has still been selected for the squad, because we simply can't afford to leave him out. Currently there is no interest in the player either, and we can only hope he signs a deal somewhere soon. With Anatolii Vlashichev missing out through injury, and Victor Maier out long term, there is a return for Bektur Talgat, and Ilzat Ahkmetov is in from the get go. Up front, Vladimir Verevkin is left out, with in form Indian based striker Ivan Filatov brought in to replace him. With Tosin Aleriwa and Vitalij Lux already proving their goalscoring pedigree last year, we do look like a side with goals in them, particularly against this level of opposition.

[EvilDave]

Just checking in to say that a) I'm very much enjoying this still and b) I'm in Bishkek! Sadly haven't been able to take in a game to do any scouting for you, but thought you might appreciate it nonetheless. Keep up the excellent work!

[neilhoskins77]

2 hours ago, EvilDave said:

Just checking in to say that a) I'm very much enjoying this still and b) I'm in Bishkek! Sadly haven't been able to take in a game to do any scouting for you, but thought you might appreciate it nonetheless. Keep up the excellent work!

You should have gone last week Dave, you could have tried to get me some votes for the FMS Awards haha. While I'm pleased to hear you're still enjoying my save, more importantly, I hope you have a superb trip mate,

[neilhoskins77]

**Just a quick note. While I realise that this isn't actually the story that won an award on Sunday night, this is the continuation of the original piece of work, making the two very much entwined. I'd like to say thanks for continuing to read my work. I really enjoy writing about my FM saves, despite the hard work that sometimes accompanies it. I never expected it to get to the point where it would receive any recognition. Thanks again, and I hope those of you that are reading continue to enjoy the progress.**

March 2017 (cont)

Words like 'pointless' and 'meaningless' and 'easy caps for players' gave me my first clue that the press in Kyrgyzstan would rather not have had this stopover in Nepal, and just got on with business in Laos. While they had a point, it wasn't true to say that there was nothing to be gained from this Friendly. 'Confidence'. It's a big thing for a small footballing nation such as this one. If we could get back on the winning trail after our defeat against Cyprus last time out, and rattle in a few goals in the process, it would do us the world of good before we kicked off our campaign for qualification.

Friday 24th March 2017 - 19:30pm
International Friendly
Halchowk Stadium, Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal v Kyrgyzstan
Attendance :- 750. Weather :- 9c.

With that in mind, it was a strong and attacking lineup that was selected to start the match in Kathmandu. It would be 6'6 goalie Pavel Matyash who would get the first opportunity to win, or lose, the goalkeepers jersey. It's almost our first choice back four, Tamirlan Kozubaev is not fit enough to start today, so Azamat Baymatov partners Manas Zhutanov, on the day when Vadim Kharchenko takes sole possession of the record for the most caps for Kyrgyzstan. We're going with just two in midfield today, Sergej Evljuskin and currently clubless Anton Zemlianukhin. We've got Edgar Bernhardt on the right, with Ilzat Akhmetov on his preferred left side, while Tosin Aleriwa is joined up front by Ivan Filatov.

An attendance of 750 is actually a full house at this small ground in Kathmandu. That tells you all you need to know about Nepal's current appeal on the International football stage. If there had been more people in the crowd, there might have been a bit of noise when Rajendra Rai curled an early free kick opportunity over the target. There wasn't much in the way of noise in the 9th minute either, when Vadim Kharchenko took a chance to overlap down the right and fired a cross to Ivan Filatov. With his back to goal, and no chance of a shot himself, he rolled it into the path of Tosin Aleriwa, who sent a low curling shot into the bottom corner to put us ahead. Ten minutes later, our in form striker could have added another, but his shot was blocked, and when it was recycled into the box by Edgar Bernhardt, then Filatov forced Bikash Malla into a save at his near post. We created nothing from that corner, but from the same method a while later, Sergej Evljuskin connected with a header that Min Thapa hacked off the line. On the half hour, Nepal would have another chance to create something from a free kick after Kharchenko did a hatchet job on Bijay Kharki right on the edge of the area. Rai didn't fare too much better with this one either, though it was slightly closer to the target. Bernhardt came closer to doubling our lead with an effort that took a layer of paint off the top of the cross bar. Rai accepted the challenge, and finally forced Pavel Matyash into a save, the keeper turned his latest free kick over attempt over the top right on the half time whistle.

Half time in a Friendly where we should probably be doing better on the scoreboard. But with no pressure on the players today, a team talk that would make them feel pressured wasn't necessary. Evljuskin and Aleriwa both came off at the break, and were replaced by Bektur Talgat and Vitalij Lux as kept our shape as it was for now. Maybe we should change things around though, as Nepal were starting to put up a fight, and not just from free kicks. Kharki sent a through ball into the path of Bimal Gharti Magar's run, and he sent his shot past Matyash, but it ricocheted back off the cross bar. They were getting closer, but so were we, Ilzat Akhmetov stepped in off his left wing, and then dropped the ball over the defensive line and into the left wing for Vitalij Lux to run onto. He swept a cross into the centre, and from an awkward height, Filatov headed goalwards, but it just bounced the wrong side of the near post. Akhmetov would have the next chance, but his finishing was below the standard of his build up play, his attempt from Lux's through ball was wide of the mark. Midway through the half, we switched things around a bit, using the remaining four changes, and going back to the three in midfield and one up front. Manas Zhutanov, Bernhardt, Akhmetov and Filatov all came off, replaced by Tamirlan Kozubaev, Ahletdin Israilov, Karim Izrailov and Bakyt Kashkaev. Almost immediately we gained more control in the midfield, leading to us regaining control of the game. Ahletdin Israilov curled one just off the target, and then raced into the right channel when skipper Kharchenko picked him out with a superb pass. The winger twisted and turned to try and buy the room to put his cross in, but Biraj Maharjan was much less patient, bringing Israilov down, and gifting us a penalty. There was zero doubt who would be taking it, as Anton Zemlianukhin stepped up, and he placed the ball firmly into the bottom corner, in the process becoming the first every Kyrgyzstani player to reach double figures for International goals. It had taken far longer than it should have to put this match away, but now we really had our hosts on their heels, and Akmetov's cross to the far post after a partly cleared corner found Lux, but his header only found the side netting. But we weren't done pushing, and after some good play on the left, Bektur Talgat found Kharchenko with acres of space on the right. The record breaking full back marked his big day with a curling cross, Karim Izrailov arriving to plant a header goalwards, Malla clawing it off the goal line, but Izrailov buried the rebound, netting his first ever International goal to round off the scoring, Malla preventing Israilov from adding to the tally with a superb save late on.

Nepal (0) 0
Kyrgyzstan (1) 3 - Tosin Aleriwa (9), Anton Zemlianukhin (76 pen), Karim Izrailov (82)
Pavel Matyash; Vadim Kharchenko (capt), Azamat Baymatov, Manas Zhutanov (Tamirlan Kozubaev 67), Valery Kichin; Sergej Evljuskin (Bektur Talgat 45), Anton Zemlianukhin; Edgar Bernhardt (Ahletdin Israilov 67), Ilzat Akhmetov (Karim Izrailov 67); Ivan Filatov (Bakyt Kashkaev 67), Tosin Aleriwa (Vitalij Lux 45).
Unused Substitutes :- Ulug'beq Mo'minov, Vakhitzhan Akbaraliev (GK), Shuhrat Rahmonov, Sherzod Shakirov, Daniel Tagoe, Maxim Agapov (GK).
Possession :- 42% - 58%. Shots on Target :- 2 - 6. Man of the Match :- Vadim Kharchenko (Kyrgyzstan).

When November's squad was announced, Vadim Kharchenko's inclusion was lambasted by the Kyrgyz sports media. Now the record cap holder in his nations history was being praised by the same journalists for his outstanding contribution to this win. They're a fickle bunch these media people. Now also a target for transfer by Thai second tier side and promotion hopefuls, Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda, our right back and Captain is going about proving the doubters wrong in the best possible way.

Edgar Bernhardt had some words of his own for the media, telling them that there are no easy International games anymore, and while the scoreline had not necessarily been what had been expected, the squad were pleased with the result, and aimed to continue their form into the Qualifiers that were now upon us.

[neilhoskins77]

March 2017 (cont)

We wasted no time moving on from Nepal, and making our way to our next destination, the South East Asian country of Laos. This nation is placed is a very interesting geographical location, and we'll be visiting one of it's border neighbours, Myanmar, later in the campaign. That border is to the North West of Laos, which also has a northern border with China, to the east is Vietnam, while Thailand lies to the west, and Cambodia to the south. A new determined mood seems to have crept over the squad as we arrive at the destination of our first competitive match since I started the job. In fact, the determination on the job was such that when Anton Zemlianukhin's agent got in touch to tell the player that he has a club looking to dicuss terms with him, Zemlianukhin replied that he would deal with it later in the week when International duty had finished. Commitment to the cause from one of our stars. I can't ask for much more than that. Many would have asked to be excused and gone to get a deal thrashed out.

This country is home to a little less than 7 million people. Unfortunately for the nation, not too many of them have pursued a career in football. They only have three players of any real note, and all of them have left Laos to try and achieve in the game. The good news is, that they are all pretty young, and are all vital for any success their country may have. 22 year old striker Chitchanok Xaysensourinthone is an English commentators nightmare, fortunately he doesn't get too much exposure in the west as he plays for Toyota Thai League side, Suphanburi FC, and has three International goals in 12 caps to date. He is joined in Thailand by 18 year old attacking midfielder, Thanin Phanthavong. He is playing his football in the third tier with Khonkaen FC of the Euro Cake Pro League North, and has started the new season well, finding the net twice and setting up a further three goals. He is scheduled to also win his 13th cap on Tuesday in the capital city of Vientiane. The third of the trio may be arguably the busiest, 23 year old right back, Tou-Yeng Yang. He has played and lived in Australia for the last five years, and actually had the option of declaring himself for his adopted nation. He now has nine caps for Laos, but has mostly been a substitute for his club, National Premier League Victoria 2 West club, Moreland City. This is his second campaign with the semi professional club, and is the lowest level he has played at. Now just one appearance shy of 100 Senior club matches, he has experience that Laos may be without when they play us, as he is doubtful for the game.

It's arguable that Laos' biggest asset may actually be their manager. Steve Darby is a 62 year old Liverpudlian and now naturalised Australian, he never really made it in the game as a player, but started to flourish as a manager in South East Asia. He settled in Australia after finishing his playing days as a goalkeeper in the lower leagues there, and after earning all his coaching badges and licenses, landed a job in Malaysia with now defunct club, Johor. After some success, he had his first taste of the International game with the Womens team in Vietnam, before returning to England for year. He was soon back in South East Asia though, this time in Singapore, with domestic heavyweights, Home United. He led the side to a League and Cup Double in 2003, and United have failed to win the League again since that success. He took United to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup the following year, and in 2005, repeated the Cup success with the side before leaving the club to return to Malaysia with Perak. After three seasons and a couple of Cups, plus some more impressive AFC Cup performances, Darby would return to Thailand, this time as a Coach for Peter Reid with the National Team. When Reid left and Bryan Robson arrived, Darby would be appointed to the role of leading the Thailand Under-23 side. After a few years, he would return to club football, this time in a new destination, spending a season in India with the Mohun Bagan club, before doing some advisory work. The chance to return to club football in a familar country would prove too much though, and Darby would return to Malaysia once more, this time with Kelantan FC. He would only spend a year with them, before being appointed in charge of Mumbai FC for the inagural Indian Super League season. It was after leaving this role that Laos came calling, firstly employing him as a Technical Director, before putting him in charge of the Senior National Team. He has now been in charge of them for almost two years, and got them past Cambodia in a Playoff to earn their spot in this stage of the Asian Nations Cup Qualifiers. In a very busy end to the year, they finished second in the South East Asian Championship Qualifiers, only to lose all three Group games in the tournament itself, all of their games taking place in Manila, Philippines.

The fact that bookmakers Sportpesa are offering 50/1 on a Laos win in this match, tells you everything you need to know about the general perception of their prospects of reaching the Finals. That still didn't stop former Internationals and members of the assembled media queuing up to give us advice on how we were in a 'no win' situation, and need to make sure we get the job done well. In a press conference, I tell the press that I'm not sure it matters too much who the opposition are, we need to have the belief that we can go about our business and continue building foundations for the future.

Tuesday 28th March 2017 - 19:30pm
Asian Nations Cup Qualifiers, Group D
Chao Anouvong Stadium, Vientiane, Laos
Laos v Kyrgyzstan
Attendance :- 10,181. Weather :- 29c.

There are a couple of changes from the win in Nepal, starting in defence, where Tamirlan Kozubaev is deemed fit enough to start, and we have our first choice back four in situe. We go back to our three man midfield today as well, with Bektur Talgat joining Sergej Evljuskin and Anton Zemlianukhin. It's Ivan Filatov who loses his place as a result, with Tosin Aleriwa selected as the lone striker. There is also a change on the left wing, where Karim Izrailov is brought into the side in place of Ilzat Ahkmetov today.

We made a lively start, very lively in fact. When home skipper Thanin Phanthavong tried a cross, it was easily intercepted by Karim Izrailov, and the counter attack was rapid. Izrailov galloped over halfway and into space down the left, before putting the ball into the centre for Tosin Aleriwa just outside the box. The striker was quickly surrounded, but that left a free player. Aleriwa rolled the ball into the path of Edgar Bernhardt, who took a touch to position the ball, and then with a second, slotted the ball past Phanlakone Sysoulath, who got a piece of it, but not enough to keep the ball out. We were ahead inside three minutes, and we had no intention of letting up early. We were pinning Laos back into their own third of the park, and our midfield trio were proving very effective at winning the ball back. Anton Zemlianukhin and Sergej Evljuskin did just that in the 8th minute, working the ball between them to turn defence into attack, and Zemlianukhin picked a pass to Aleriwa on the edge of the box. The striker had space to shoot, and let fly, his low effort beating the keeper and finding the net via the inside of the far upright to make it two. And still we weren't done with this furious start. Bektur Talgat and Bernhardt did the work, and the latter played the ball to Zemlianukhin. He was 40 yards out when he started to make his run, ghosting past two players with minimum fuss, and then from 25 yards, striking his left foot through the ball, and finding the top corner. To the credit of Laos, there was no dropping of heads, and as our attacking intent tempered somewhat, they tried to claw themselves back into the match. But if our midfield didn't get them, our defence held them very much at arms length, and the shooting quickly started to come from range, with Pavel Matyash facing nothing that would cause any concern. Soon enough, we started to quicken the pace, and with Vadim Kharchenko and Valery Kichin getting forward almost at will, Laos were being stretched almost to breaking point. Kichin sent a low cross right through the box towards the far post, and Bernhardt threw himself at it when it arrived at the far post to try and add further to our lead, but he was inches away from making a connection. No matter, before half time he struck a free kick from the edge of the 'D' that curled around the wall and just stayed under the cross bar to find the roof of the net and make our half time advantage a four goal one.

Clearly any changes made at the break would be discretionary, and not necessary, with consideration needed for those just beginning their seasons and short of match fitness. I decided not to make any adjustments right away, and watched on as Bernhardt attempted to complete his hatrick, striking a volley from an awkward height that flashed across the face of goal. Laos did come close to pulling a goal back, sub Kolasouk Pengchampa made good ground down the left, and then sent a low cross into the middle, Chitchanok Xaysensourinthone connected, Pavel Matyash saved with his feet, and then had to scramble back towards his own goal line to smother the ball after it rebounded back off the shins of Manas Zhutanov. That triggered a triple substitution just before the hour, with Zemlianukhin, Bernhardt and Aleriwa all coming off, and in their place came on Ahletdin Israilov, Ilzat Akhmetov and Ivan Filatov. The home side continued to push for some reward, and it duly arrived just over five minutes after we made our changes, and in some style too. Pengchampa again did some good work on the left, but his cross found no one at the far post. Phanpadith Ounephongchalern retrieved the ball, and sent it back towards the penalty spot, and the quickly arriving Phetsamone Thongthanith, the sub smashing an unstoppable shot high into the net to the delight of the fans who remained in the stadium. Those delighted fans would soon be contemplating joining their comrades who had already left. Matyash came off his line to collect a free kick, and threw the ball overarm to Vadim Kharchenko. Spotting an opportunity to counter attack, the skipper sent the ball up to Ahletdin Israilov on halfway, who quickly turned and split the centre backs with a through ball, allowing Ivan Filatov to run in on goal. The striker has been  in good form for his club, and he rounded the keeper, and slipped the ball inside the near upright to open his International account. If the result had been in any doubt whatsoever, that goal settled it, and the game died a death after that. In fact, apart from Filatov attempting to double his tally with a bending effort from the edge of the box that didn't quite manage to find it's way inside the far post, neither side looked particularly interested in trying to score. That suited us just fine.

Laos (0) 1 - Phanpadith Ounephongchalern (66)
Kyrgyzstan (4) 5 - Edgar Bernhardt (3,42), Tosin Aleriwa (8), Anton Zemlianukhin (13), Ivan Filatov (69)
Pavel Matyash; Vadim Kharchenko (capt), Tamirlan Kozubaev, Manas Zhutanov, Valery Kichin; Beltur Talgat, Anton Zemlianukhin (Ahletdin Israilov 59), Sergej Evljuskin; Edgar Bernhardt (Ilzat Akhmetov 59), Karim Izrailov; Tosin Aleriwa (Ivan Filatov 59).
Unused Substitutes :- Ulug'beq Mo'minov, Vakhitzhan Akbaraliev (GK), Shuhrat Rahmonov, Azamat Baymatov, Sherzod Shakirov, Daniel Tagoe, Bakyt Kashkaev, Vitalij Lux, Maxim Agapov (GK).
Possession :- 45% - 55%. Shots on Target :- 6 - 7. Man of the Match :- Edgar Bernhardt (Kyrgyzstan).

We're very happy with that, even if we're only given credit elsewhere for doing exactly what was expected of us. Either Laos are every bit the bad side, or we have transitioned in the last year to the point where we now have expectations upon us. I don't care which it is, all I'm interested in is the three points on the board, and hopefully there's plenty more where that came from. Maybe this Group won't be all plain sailing though, ask Turkmenistan, who had to come from behind in Myanmar to open their campaign with a 2-1 win that they scarcely deserved according to the reports. We face both of those teams in succession in Bishkek, starting with Myanmar in June.

[Diego Imposta]

Love that this save is not only stable but going great guns - keep it up! 

[neilhoskins77]

8 hours ago, Diego Imposta said:

Love that this save is not only stable but going great guns - keep it up! 

Cheers Diego Imposta. It should be back to having regular posts within the next week or so too. Glad you're enjoying it.

[EvilDave]

Amen to that, Diego - love the big win over Laos and the fact everything seems to be working at the moment. I still don't know how you put in the detail that you do, but I'm very thankful for it, great work as ever Neil.

[neilhoskins77]

10 hours ago, EvilDave said:

Amen to that, Diego - love the big win over Laos and the fact everything seems to be working at the moment. I still don't know how you put in the detail that you do, but I'm very thankful for it, great work as ever Neil.

Glad you're still enjoying the save ED. I do like to put a bit of extra detail into the save, particularly on International games to put a bit of flesh onto the bones. Your kind words are much appreciated, and as mentioned above, regular updates will be back very soon on this one.

[ClemB]

One little suggestion - adding pictures of the stadiums or the cities would make the journey even more immersive:)-

[neilhoskins77]

11 hours ago, ClemB said:

One little suggestion - adding pictures of the stadiums or the cities would make the journey even more immersive:)-

ClemB, while pictures are not actually allowed in this section, I'd be happy to link them in the match reports for you. They could be pretty easily embedded as a hyperlink in the stadium name and location near the top of the report.

[neilhoskins77]

April 2017

World Soccer have started to champion our efforts to break the status quo of heavyweight International sides in Asia. They are one of the few that were impressed with our effort in Laos, and they are offering plenty of encouragement to aid our bid to Qualify for a first ever major Finals. The squad are certainly buying into our ambitions, and as we leave to head back to Bishkek, spirits are high, not least those of Ivan Filatov, who is off the mark for International goals.

On that flight home, I have a quiet word with Anton Zemlianukhin. I explain to him that not only is he one of the most talented players we can call upon, but he is also regarded as a Senior member of our group, and that I really appreciate his commitment to our campaign, and that he didn't disappear on us. As a token of our gratitude, I've arranged with the FA for the plane to take him on to his destination to get his contract talks done, and fingers crossed, he gets a deal completed and continues to be available to us for several years yet.

Our leading all time goalscorer gets a deal done in double quick time too. Swiss Challenge League club Neuchâtel Xamax FCS are entrenched in mid table in the second tier, and won't be going up, or down this season. They are now making preparations for 2017/18, and Michel Decastel very much decided that Zemlianukhin was the man he wanted in his squad to bring a spark to his side. They have ten games left of this season first though, but he can't take part, they are able to sign him immediately as a Free Agent, but the registration window has closed, and he can't do anymore than train and maybe get some match time with their age group side. A two season deal is agreed, taking Zemlianukhin through to Summer 2019 with his Swiss club, by which time, he'll be 30 years old, and hopefully, will have led us on some big International days too.

The top level sees it's domestic season get underway, and I'm hoping to see some young Kyrgyz players get their opportunity to shine and put themselves in contention for our various sides, as it's not just the Senior National side that are embarking on competitive football, but also the Under-23's this summer as well. Alay Osh and Abdysh-Ata Kant both get their campaigns off to winning starts in the Top Liga. In the second tier Pervaya Liga, there is a strong early front runner in Zona A in the form of Zhivoye Pivo Kant, who are unbeaten in their opening three games, taking two wins from them. It's much tighter in Zona B, there after two rounds of matches, six clubs have wins on the board, with three of them sitting unbeaten on four points, inlcuding last season's beaten Promotion Playoff side, Shakhter Kyzyl-Kia.

We have achieved a new record high FIFA World Ranking under my charge, as April's edition see's us rise up three places to 105th in the Rankings. We're edging so close now to achieving one of our first aims and breaking into the World's top 100 nations. Argentina are still at the head of the Rankings, while the most improved nation is Kosovo, who rise 34 spots from 180th up to 146th.

I mentioned that there was plenty of competitive football ahead of us, and there was some more scheduled at the end of the month. The draw has been made for the Asian Under-19 Championship Qualifiers, and our youngest age group side will play some competitive football in October. We're drawn out in the second round, with no obvious seeding system evident. We're allocated into Group A, which by this point, already contained India. The next nation drawn into our Group are Nepal, and things are looking pretty good for us so far. Things would soon take a sharp downhill turn however, as firstly Oman, and then Uzbekistan are drawn to join us. The Group winners will Qualify automatically, as will, I believe, the runner's-up from the six Groups that contain five nations, which includes ours.

Finishing second in that Group would be no easy task. But we may well have received a helping hand with that ambition. The day after the draw, it has been decided that we will host Group A. It is great news, though it hasn't given us any say over the Group scheduling. We sit out the first round of matches on Saturday 21st October, and will begin our Qualifying attempt on the Monday in the evening game against Oman. We'll then face an Wednesday early evening date with Uzbekistan, before facing India on Friday, once more in the 5pm slot. We'll finish proceedings on Sunday in a 7pm kick off in the final match of the Group, against Nepal. It's obvious that we'll need to find a way of taking points from the first two games, and then look to win the last two to get ourselves into a position where we could progress to the Finals.

While we didn't get any help with that schedule, we did get to choose the venue. I didn't get any say in that myself, but the Kyrgyzstani FA did have free choice. They have chosen the home of non-League and semi-professional club, FC Talas, who last graced the second tier back in 2013. Their home ground is Stadion E.Kutmanaliev in Talas itself. The ground has a capacity of just 750, which the FA assure me will be plenty for the expected interest of these matches. The stadium is in fairly average condition, but crucially for us, does have a very good grass playing surface.

So we've gone from zero competitive matches last year, to thirteen scheduled for this year, including the one already played, and another one already in the diary for next year. It's exciting times for football fans in our corner of the World, and the domestic football takes on even more importance as the opportunity to play competitive football for Kyrgyzstan's three National Sides will be there for many players this year.

[neilhoskins77]

May 2017

May doesn't start too well for us, as we lose a player to retirement. 23 year old goalkeeper Marsel' Islamkulov was capped at Under-23 level, and has spent the last three years playing regularly in Kazakhstan with FK-Astana 1964. He could have easily been first choice for one of the sides in the Pervaya Liga, and this is exactly the kind of loss that we want to prevent. Islamkulov has decided to pursue ventures outside of football after being released by his club.

The Under-23's quickly lost another potential member of their squad, though this time not permanently. Aldier Kurshab right back Omurbek Joroev has been a regular for his club so far this season in the Top Liga. Unfortunately, the 22 year old has broken his leg in a training session, and will be out for the rest of the year, and maybe struggling to be fit for pre season in 2018. The lad is said to be devastated that this has happened, with the injury coming just two weeks after he scored his first ever Senior goal.

We're up one more spot in the May version of the FIFA World Rankings, and we are now in joint 104th spot with Jordan. We're now ahead of nations such as Guatemala and New Zealand, and only just behind nations like Israel, Zambia, Bahrain and Azerbaijan. Another ten place rise from Kosovo once again makes them the nation who have improved the most.

The media often highlight the clubs in Kyrgyzstani football that are doing the best job developing players in the Senior National Side, and one side is way out in front of the others. Ala-Too Naryn have been responsible for the development of thirteen current International players in our setup, with Abdysh-Ata Kant following behind with four, and Alay Osh then having three. Neftchi Kochkor-Ata and Dordoy are both responsible for two players.

Ahletdin Israilov will be missing from our next chance to improve our World Ranking, and to also bank three more Asian Nations Cup Qualifying points. The 22 year old forward has dislocated his shoulder playing for his Ukrainian club side Cherkaskyi Dnipro Cherkasy against Gelios Kharkiv. He is likely to be out for around two months. He is pretty quickly joined on the missing in action list by 26 year old Alay Osh left back, Sherzod Shakirov. The 17 times capped defender will be out for around six weeks after suffering knee cartilage damage.

Kyrgyzstan Senior National Squad Announcement
Latvia (78th) - Home (7/6/17 at Stadion Dolena Omurzakova, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) International Friendly
Myanmar (=178th) - Home (13/6/17 at Stadion Dolena Omurzakova, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) Asian Nations Cup Qualifier, Group D

| Name                  | Position        | Age      | Club                 | Height   | Value    | Caps     | Goals    | 
 
| Pavel Matyash         | GK              | 29       | UiTM (MAS)           | 6'6"     | £0       | 12       | 0        | 
| Vakhitzhan Akbaraliev | GK              | 27       | Alay                 | 6'3"     | £325     | 0        | 0        | 
| Maxim Agapov          | GK              | 29       | Abdysh-Ata           | 6'1"     | £825     | 5        | 0        | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| Manas Zhutanov        | D (RLC)         | 25       | Alay                 | 5'11"    | £1.1K    | 12       | 0        | 
| Valery Kichin         | D (LC)          | 24       | Yenisey (RUS)        | 5'11"    | £120K    | 24       | 1        | 
| Azamat Baymatov       | D (C)           | 27       | Alay                 | 6'3"     | £425     | 30       | 3        | 
| Shuhrat Rahmonov      | D (C)           | 29       | Alay                 | 6'3"     | £900     | 3        | 0        | 
| Tamirlan Kozubaev     | D (C)           | 22       | Ceres (PHI)          | 6'1"     | £28.5K   | 11       | 0        | 
| Ulug'beq Mo'minov     | D/WB (R)        | 32       | Army Utd (THA)       | 5'11"    | £2.4K    | 5        | 0        | 
| Kursanbek Sheratov    | D/WB (L)        | 27       | Dordoy               | 6'0"     | £1K      | 4        | 0        | 
| Vadim Kharchenko      | D/WB/M (R)      | 33       | Dordoy               | 5'9"     | £55      | 33       | 1        | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| Sergej Evljuskin      | DM, M (C)       | 29       | Kassel (GER)         | 5'10"    | £40.5K   | 12       | 0        | 
| Bakyt Kashkaev        | DM, M (C)       | 28       | Kara-Balta           | 5'11"    | £1K      | 4        | 0        | 
| Ilzat Akhmetov        | M (L), AM (RLC) | 19       | Rubin (RUS)          | 5'8"     | £205K    | 3        | 0        | 
| Anatolii Vlasichev    | M (C)           | 28       | Alay                 | 6'0"     | £2.6K    | 23       | 1        | 
| Bektur Talgat         | M (C)           | 22       | Churchill Bros (IND) | 5'9"     | £21.5K   | 3        | 0        | 
| Nurkal Sataev         | M/AM (RL)       | 24       | Dordoy               | 5'10"    | £1.1K    | 0        | 0        | 
| Anton Zemlianukhin    | M/AM (RC)       | 28       | Neuchâtel Xamax (SUI)| 5'9"     | £160K    | 29       | 11       | 
| Karim Izrailov        | M/AM (LC)       | 30       | Navy FC (THA)        | 6'0"     | £18.75K  | 12       | 1        | 
| Edgar Bernhardt       | AM (RL)         | 31       | Rödinghausen (GER)   | 5'9"     | £29.5K   | 20       | 5        | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| Tosin Aleriwa         | ST (C)          | 27       | Abdysh-Ata           | 5'8"     | £525     | 8        | 6        | 
| Ivan Filatov          | ST (C)          | 29       | Minerva Punjab (IND) | 5'11"    | £23K     | 5        | 1        | 
| Islam Danabaev        | ST (C)          | 27       | Aldier               | 6'2"     | £1K      | 0        | 0        | 

I'm learning that on the International stage, success, or even perceived success, as we haven't had any of the real stuff just yet, breeds expectation. The media, and fans, have an idea of what they want right now and in their opinion, this squad doesn't stack up. They are not happy with the inclusion of right back Ulug'beq Mo'minov for a start. They consider the 32 year old to be 'inept' when it comes to International Football, and that's on top of the fact that he hasn't managed to force his way into the starting lineup at his new club, Army United, who sit 2nd in Thailand's M-150 Championship, which is the second tier.

Their next bone of contention is the inclusion of two potential new caps, Dordoy's 24 year old winger Nurkal Sataev, who is a replacement in the squad for the injured Ahletdin Israilov, and 27 year old Aldier striker Islam Danabaev, who has come into the squad in place of Vitalij Lux. The media's argument has fallen down right about here. They claim the inclusion of these two players risks making a mockery of the National Side, yet they said Mo'minov has been picked purely on reputation and not form. These new potenial caps have been picked solely on form, with Danabaev coming in based on his goalscoring in the Top Liga, as opposed to Lux not being able to command any game time in Germany.

In fact, Lux is on the phone very shortly after the squad announcement. And great credit to him as well, he wasn't angry or confrontational, he simply asked why he had been left out. I told him that while I don't doubt his ability to score goals for a moment, he hasn't played regularly for a long time at club level, and I'm now in a position to select in form and match fit players ahead of him. He asked what he needed to do to earn his place back in the National Squad. I told him he needs to play regularly, and I don't mind if that's at his current club, or if he moves. He assures me he'll look into that, as he is desperate to continue playing for Kyrgyzstan. In the press conference, I take the chance to correct the media on a few things. They tell me that Ivan Filatov hasn't displayed the kind of form in the I-League of India to justify his selection. I point out that he has 7 goals in 18 games, a record that no one in our domestic Leagues can get anywhere close to. They also announce their delight that Ahletdin Israilov has been dropped. I remind them that he is injured, and as such, hasn't actually been dropped at all. After some pretty heavy and harsh critisism, we're going to need to put some performances in this Window.

Kyrgyzstan Under-19 National Squad Announcement
Guam - Home (6/6/17 - Stadion Dolena Omurzakova, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) Under-19's International Friendly
Moldova - Home (12/6/17 - Stadion Dolena Omurzakova, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) Under-19's International Friendly

| Name                      | Position          | Age      | Club                | Height   | Value    | Caps     | Goals    | 
 
| Georgiy Slavnyi           | GK                | 19       | Ala-Too             | 6'4"     | £140     | 0        | 0        | 
| Abdulnur Mamytov          | GK                | 19       | Alay                | 6'5"     | £130     | 0        | 0        | 
| Azamat Omuraliev          | GK                | 16       | Abdysh-Ata          | 6'0"     | £325     | 0        | 0        | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
| Danislam Zagidulin        | D (R)             | 19       | Ala-Too             | 6'0"     | £160     | 0        | 0        | 
| Ayzar Akmatov             | D (C)             | 18       | Ala-Too             | 6'2"     | £180     | 0        | 0        | 
| Ulugbek Salamatov         | D (C)             | 18       | Ala-Too             | 5'11"    | £180     | 0        | 0        | 
| Raul' Urmeev              | D (C)             | 16       | Kara-Balta          | 6'1"     | £725     | 0        | 0        | 
| Manas Smatov              | D (C)             | 17       | Ala-Too             | 6'0"     | £425     | 0        | 0        | 
| Kursanbek Akmatov         | D/WB (R)          | 16       | Neftchi Kochkor-Ata | 5'3"     | £425     | 0        | 0        | 
| Nurtay Kurmantay          | D/WB (L)          | 19       | Ala-Too             | 5'9"     | £200     | 0        | 0        | 
| Ivan Mambetaliev          | D/WB (L)          | 17       | Alga-Chuy           | 6'2"     | £0       | 0        | 0        | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
| Ernist Batyrkanov         | DM, M (C)         | 19       | Ala-Too             | 6'2"     | £300     | 0        | 0        | 
| Kanat Yuldashev           | M (R)             | 17       | Aldier              | 5'11"    | £875     | 0        | 0        | 
| Vladimir Badalov          | M (L)             | 17       | Neftchi Kochkor-Ata | 6'1"     | £425     | 0        | 0        | 
| Abdurashit Saydirakhmatov | M (C)             | 19       | Alay                | 5'9"     | £375     | 0        | 0        | 
| Azamat Omuraliev          | M (C)             | 19       | Kara-Balta          | 5'7"     | £200     | 0        | 0        | 
| Omurbek Drozdetskiy       | M (C)             | 17       | Abdysh-Ata          | 5'7"     | £475     | 0        | 0        | 
| Beksultan Islamkulov      | M (C)             | 16       | Ala-Too             | 5'8"     | £475     | 0        | 0        | 
| Syymykbek Amanov          | M/AM (R)          | 17       | Aldier              | 5'10"    | £500     | 0        | 0        | 
| Ivan Biyaliev             | M/AM (LC)         | 17       | Ala-Too             | 5'7"     | £500     | 0        | 0        | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
| Kadyrbek Shaarbekov       | ST (C)            | 19       | Ala-Too             | 5'10"    | £210     | 0        | 0        | 
| Pavel Tkachenko           | ST (C)            | 17       | Alay                | 6'0"     | £700     | 0        | 0        | 
| Zamir Sharipov            | ST (C)            | 17       | Aldier              | 6'2"     | £500     | 0        | 0        | 

There is no such outcry for the Under-19's squad. In fact, there is no reaction at all. There never is! With competitive football on the horizon, any player now aged over 19 or not inside the elgibility criteria in the eyes of the game engine, is dispensed with. Instead, I start to call up the next generation of players, an encouraging amount of which are playing regularly in our domestic Leagues. Some players who had been regulars in the past have also been left out as they are not playing regularly at the moment.

There is one change in the trio of goalkeepers, with 16 year old Mirlan Orozbek dropped, and replaced by Azamat Omuraliev, another 16 year old who has been playing some football and looks to have a bit about him. Deputy left back Muhamedjan Grischenko is out injured, and is replaced in the squad by 17 year old Ivan Mambetaliev, who has played consistently well for Alga-Chuy in the early stages of the season. Ulan Taalaybek is also a casualty of our new found depth, as a lack of football sees him dropped and replaced by Kara-Balta's centre back Raul' Urmeev.

There are three changes in the midfield, as we have lost now 20 year old winger and standout player at his age group, Viktor Kelm. His place in the squad is taken by promising looking 17 year old Syymykbek Amanov. There are also changes in the centre midfield area, with Beksultan Kaipov and Aidar Mambetaliev dropped, and the 18 year olds are replaced by 17 year old Omurbek Drozdetskiy and 16 year old playmaker Beksultan Islamkulov.

Finally up front, where we have also lost a massive player for us at this level, with goalscorer Almaz Omoraliev now aged 20, and hoping to get into the Under-23 squad. He is joined by Janboto Yrysbek, who has been knocking in goals regularly for Ala-Too Naryn in Zona A. The new pair of strikers called up looking pretty promising too, with Pavel Tkachenko netting four times already this season for Alay Osh, and target man Zamir Sharipov. The focus this year for the Under-19's is to try and find some consistency before going into the Asian Under-19 Championship Qualifiers which are scheduled for late October.

[neilhoskins77]

June 2017

The Under-19 squad report to a Bishkek hotel on Saturday 4th June, with the squad said to be cautiously optimistic ahead of their double header. The players know they have few chances remaining to stake their claim for a place in the squad for the competitive action in October. The Senior squad report to the same hotel the following day They are also reported to be in good spirits ahead of their own home double header. The match against Latvia is a good chance to test ourselves against the next level of opposition, while the Qualifying match against Myanmar is not to be taken lightly, a win is essential to keep us on track in that one.

Unlike most International Windows, this time we have almost a week between the games, and the Under-19's will get their double header kicked off on Tuesday with a very winable looking fixture against the English speaking East Asian nation of Guam. The relatively young nation have only been members of the AFC for 25 years, and it would be fair to say that they have not made a huge amount of progress since then, sitting in 181st place in the current FIFA World Rankings. It's not hard to see why of course, the population is less than 200,000, and the biggest stadium in the country holds just 1,000. With such a small amount of footballers in the country, any young footballers they do get tend to get parachuted right up to the Under-23 squad, if not the Seniors. They do only have one player of note though, 31 year old utility player Brandon McDonald has 21 caps to his name, and makes a living at a very good level, playing for Cerezo Osaka in Japan's top tier Meiji Yasuda J-League.

The beautiful and warm summers in Central Asia are the payoff for the harsh and cold winters. The forecast suggests temperatures in the mid-20's tomorrow, despite the evening kick off. Ala-Too Naryn's centre back Ayzar Akmatov is requested to play no more than a half of the match by his club, who are worried about his recent hectic schedule. His club team mate and Captain of the Kyrgyzstan Under-19 side, right back Danislam Zagidulin tells the media that a side like Guam shouldn't be taken lightly, and that focus was required, complacency was not something they were prepared to allow to creep in.

There was a different feeling towards tomorrow night's Senior Friendly International match against Latvia. Expectations on us are not particularly high for that match, though there is a chance to take the scalp of a European nation, and one of a side that are doing very well at the moment too, sitting third in their FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group after a win over Switzerland and a draw away to Hungary. They sit 78th in the World right now, around the area we are aiming to get up towards, and the squad that Latvia are bringing to Bishkek is spread out right across Europe, with players plying their trade in Belgium, France, Poland and Russia amongst others. Part of their improvement is down to the improvement in form of a player that a lot had been expected from in the past, and he had rarely delivered. Now 29 years old, striker Artjoms Rudnevs is finally delivering. Good form back in Latvia earned him a move to Hungary, where a breakthrough season with ZTE earned him a move onto Poland. Two goal laden seasons convinced Hamburg to spend nearly £3m on him, but after a promising first season, his form went south, and he spent time on loan and with the Reserve side. 1.FC Köln signed him last summer on a Free Transfer, and he repaid their faith with nine goals in the Bundesliga. But it was for his country that he has really started to fire. With only two goals in 40 caps before the World Cup Qualifiers, he has now added four in as many matches during this campaign. We'll need to keep a close eye on him in Bishkek.

22 year old midfielder with three caps for us now, Bektur Talgat, tells the press that Latvia would be wise not to underestimate Kyrgyzstan in the upcoming match. He tells them how proud he is of the steps forward the nation has taken over the last year or so, and that things would not be easy for the Baltic side in Bishkek.

Tuesday 6th June 2017 - 19:30pm
Under-19's International Friendly
Stadion Dolena Omurzakova, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Under-19's v Guam Under-19's
Attendance :- 302. Weather :- Breezy, 28c.

The Under-19's play in the big stadium today, and they will also do so next week. The Kyrgyzstani FA hit upon the idea of a ticket promotion, where buying a ticket for this match allows a discount on the following nights Senior game. As you can see from the attendance, it hasn't turned out to be a particularly popular incentive. Guam have brought only 18 players in their squad for this match, while we are fully stocked with a 23 man squad, each as eager as the next to prove himself as a young player capable of representing his nation when the real action begins in the autumn. There are still plenty of familiar names from last years Under-19 side involved, but there are also plenty of new faces who will be looking to take their spots from them. Two of those are given starts today in our midfield, Omurbek Drozdetskiy and Beksultan Islamkulov of the Abdysh-Ata Kant and Ala-Too Naryn clubs respectively. That leaves Azamat Omuraliev and Abdurashit Saydirakhmatov on the bench, and knowing they will face a fight for their spots. They won't be the only ones, as we also have interesting options in particular at centre back, on the wings, and up front.

The two new young midfielders started well, combining to dispossess Alfredo Grape. However, Guam got the ball back quickly, and left back William Tambora sent a superb cross field pass to Anthony McDonald. The winger took the ball on and delivered a cross into the centre, where Grape needed two attempts, the second crashed back off the bar before Danislam Zagidulin hooked it clear. Our first two chances both came from Omurbek Drozdetskiy, firstly a shot from the corner of the box that was wide of the mark, followed by a right footed free kick that he curled over the ball, but also over the cross bar. Ernist Batyrkanov would come much closer midway through the half, taking a short pass from Beksultan Islamkulov, and from just inside the box, letting a fiercely struck shot go, Tony Geisel had to produce a diving save to push that one away and keep the match goalless. With the game starting to drift aimlessly, a touch of absolute class finally opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and not at the end you, or certainly I, may have been expecting. Striker Cameron Mendiolas came short to collect a throw in, and quickly sent the ball infield to Ricky Manalac. A look up told him that Georgiy Slavnyi was off his line, and from 30 yards out, Manalac hit his shot, which flew beyond our keeper and found the net via the underside of the cross bar. It was a sublime effort, but that didn't make me any less annoyed that we had fallen behind. My players were cleary aware of the tongue lashing that was only about five minutes or so away, and did their best to make ammends. Vladimir Badalov sent a shot just over the cross bar right from the restart, while Batyrkanov had another go from the edge of the box, this one curling just wide.

I made two changes at the break, both in our defence. Ayzar Akmatov had been asked to play no more than a half, so he was replaced by 17 year old Manas Smatov. At right back, Danislam Zagidulin had done ok in the first half, particularly getting forward, but he wasn't in the best of match fitness, so he was also replaced, with 16 year old Kursanbek Akmatov replacing the skipper. The players were told that I was expecting a lot more from the second half, but Manalac must have been told to keep doing what he had been doing, and he let fly two minutes into the second half, this time from 25 yards out, and just barely over the cross bar. I was starting to become a little concerned, though we were having huge swathes of possession, and pinning back our East Asian opponents. Batyrkanov was keen to have another go, this time from a bit further out, but it swerved well away from the target. At the other end, there was what was now becoming a rare foray forward from Guam, and from a free kick by Tambora, keeper Slavnyi needed to hold on with players following up for any scraps. When we reached the 63rd minute, I felt the need to make more changes, but did restrict them to personnel only. Left back Nurtay Kurmantay, midfielder Beksultan Islamkulov, left wing Vladimir Badalov, and striker Kadyrbek Shaarbekov were all brought off, and replaced respectively by Ivan Mambetaliev, Azamat Omuraliev, Ivan Biyaliev and Pavel Tkachenko. While the substitutions didn't directly impact what happened next, I'll happily take the credit anyway. Azamat Omuraliev's cross was headed clear, but Batyrkanov collected the ball with plenty of options in front of him. He declined those, pushing the ball sideways instead to Drozdetskiy. The debutant left his mark, matching Manalac's effort for both distance and quality, curling his shot out of Geisel's reach, and into the top corner to level the match up. With twenty minutes to go, and the game very much there for the winning, Batyrkanov dispensed with his shoot from range policy, and sent a through ball into the path of Pavel Tkachenko, who skipped past one tackle and then let a shot go, but he got underneath it somewhat and sent it high over the bar. So three more substitutes were summoned from the bench as reinforcements, starting with the only remaining starter in the back four, with Ulugbek Salamatov replaced by another youngster, Raul' Urmeev. There was a change on the right wing, with Kanat Yuldashev replaced by exciting young prospect Syymykbek Amanov. The final change would see us go a bit more attacking, with midfielder Ernist Batyrkanov sacrificed and replaced by young striker Zamir Sharipov, who would act as a target man and strike partner for Tkachenko. The newly introduced striker would take only two minutes to show off his prowess in the air as well, Ivan Mambetaliev swung in a left footed cross from deep, and Sharipov got in front of his marker, and rose well to connect with a powerful header, missing only the all important ingredient of direction, as it cleared the angle of upright and cross bar. I made my final outfield change with just over five minutes to go, Drozdetskiy receiving a good ovation as he went off, replaced by Abdurashit Saydirakhmatov. But we would only produce one more chance to win this one, Sharipov taking his target man skills out wide, bringing the ball down on the right touchline, and then sending a cross into the box, Tkachenko rising between two defenders and guiding his header on goal, but it was caught fairly routinely by sub keeper Jake Fulton.

Kyrgyzstan Under-19's (0) 1 - Omurbek Drozdetskiy (66)
Guam Under-19's (1) 1 - Ricky Manalac (39)
Georgy Slavnyi; Danislam Zagidulin (capt - Kursanbek Akmatov 45), Ayazar Akmatov (Manas Smatov 45), Ulugbek Salamatov (Raul' Urmeev 73), Nurtay Kurmantay (Ivan Mambetaliev 63); Omurbek Drozdetskiy (Abdurashit Saydirakhmatov 84), Beksultan Islamkulov (Azamat Omuraliev 63), Ernist Batyrkanov (Zamir Sharipov 73); Kanat Yuldashev (Syymykbek Amanov 73), Vladimir Badalov (Ivan Biyaliev 63); Kadyrbek Shaarbekov (Pavel Tkachenko 63).
Unused Substitutes :- Abdulnur Mamytov (GK), Azamat Omuraliev (GK).
Possession :- 55% - 45%. Shots on Target :- 6 - 2. Man of the Match :- Omurbek Drozdetskiy (Kyrgyzstan Under-19's).

I can't deny that I'm disappointed with the result, as that was certainly a match that we should have won. However, the performance itself was more than a little heartening. There wasn't much we could do about Guam's goal, which was simply superb, but we did plenty of good attacking ourselves, keeping the ball quite nicely for the most part with some nice passing. The new young players settled in quite nicely too, in particular midfielder Omurbek Drozdetskiy, who picked up a goal and the man of the match award. The youngsters will have another chance to put themselves in contention for competitive football when the Under-19's return to the Dolena next Monday, where they will host the youngsters from Moldova.

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**You can now find a link to the photos of the stadium we are playing in hyperlinked into the stadium name near the top of the match report. I will do this for each unique stadium we play at. I'm getting the photos from Google searches, so I can only apologize for any inaccuracies that may throw up**