For veteran midfielder Cunliffe, though, facing off against a team representing a vast nation is nothing new; and the 35-year-old is hoping history repeats as Guam look to hand China a result similar to the one meted out to India four years ago.

The Matao made international headlines in 2015 when, in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers, Guam followed up a surprise 1-0 win over Turkmenistan with a shock 2-1 victory against India, a side representing a nation with a population well in excess of 1 billion.

With records, streaks and qualification for the two biggest international tournaments on the Asian football calendar all on the line, the-AFC.com examines some of the stats and facts you need to know ahead of the 32 fixtures to come.

All 40 teams aiming for qualification will be in action with Matchdays Three and Four scheduled for October 10 and 15.

As we prepare for another fiesta of national team football, the-AFC.com takes a look at the scenario in the eight groups heading into the next two rounds of matches on the Road to Qatar 2022 and China 2023.

Philippines went into the match on the back of a 5-2 defeat to Syria on Matchday One of their Group A campaign in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

With Guam also having lost their opener 1-0 to Maldives, it was a match both sides had to win and at the end of 90 minutes, it was the Philippines who bagged the three points.

Philippines rebounded in style from their 5-2 defeat to Syria on the opening day while it was Guam's second successive loss, having fallen 1-0 to Maldives on Matchday One.

Maldives dominated the early proceedings and went ahead just before the half-hour mark at the GFA Stadium through Ibrahim Mahudhee's strike.

Guam, who overcame a one-goal first leg deficit to defeat Bhutan 5-1 in the first round of the Asian Qualifiers, could not find their way back into game in the second half as Maldives secured three valuable points.

Lippi was rightly pleased after China PR - and history-making debutant Elkeson who netted two late goals - lived up to all expectations with a dominant victory in the island nation to move to the top of Group A on goal difference.

But Lippi, who famously led his native Italy to the FIFA World Cup title in 2006, said there is plenty of work ahead if his side are to achieve their primary objective of advancing to the next round of the Asian Qualifiers.