By Jack Biantan
Monday, March 14, 2011
/via Sunstar
LONDON, UK -- An earthquake of 8.9 intensity and a tsunami with apocalyptic proportion have caused massive devastation in some cities of Japan the other day.
I was at work when I saw over BBC news how the 30 feet tsunami swallowed thousands of homes, hundreds of cars and acres of farmlands along Japan's Pacific coastline.
The first thing that went into my mind was the Azkals. They were acclimatizing in Japan during that time for the 2nd leg of their AFC Challenge Cup elimination match against Mongolia.
After several hours, I breathed a sigh of relief when I learned from twitter that they were far from the tsunami at the Japan FA's training centre in Gotemba. But they felt the earthquake and the aftershocks.
As of this writing they were on their way to Beijing and are expected to be in Ulan Bator, Mongolia by Sunday midnight. They have less than two days of rest before their clash on Tuesday noon.
Out safely
The Azkals managed to get out of Japan safely through Narita airport and through the efforts of the Japan FA. They hardly have rest in their long trip and they would arrive in Ulan Bator exhausted.
The Azkals trained in Japan to get used to cold weather that is expected during match day (March 15). They had difficulty adjusting to the weather, losing two matches against Japanese University teams in wide score margins.
Only three of the regular Azkals will not fly to Ulan Bator. Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier and Chris Greatwich will miss the Mongolia match.
Jason Sabio and Simon Greatwich however managed to squeak past from other early commitments to assure the fans that they will be playing in Mongolia. They are also on their way to Ulan Bator.
It would be good news for the Azkals, as both footballers could fill in the hole in the Azkals defences and midfield left by Rob Gier and Chris Greatwich.
It seems that the odds are all against the Azkals this time. The cold weather, the lack of rest and their traumatic experience of being in Japan when the earthquake and the tsunami happened.
Their defeat against the two Japanese teams does not however show the real Azkals spirit. It was only a practice game without any audience, except for the coaching staff and game officials. It was not even considered as official friendly.
Friendly matches have the hype, the media and the fans involved. Friendlies are always played against other national teams.
Only worry
My only worries are the Azkals' fitness and their mental state. They will be playing minus their Rabid supporters and are under extreme pressure.
The Azkals are known for their resiliency. How many times they have sprang back from certain defeat to be victorious? I am certain that they would brush off this episode of giving our country football honors.
There would be no turning back this time. If they lose by two goals, they will bid good bye to further advancing to the AFC elimination in Myanmar.
A draw would be enough for them to advance and losing is not an option. Let's pray for the Azkals success and for the recovery of the Japanese nation. GOD BLESS jackbiantan@yahoo.com
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on March 14, 2011.
Showing posts with label JFA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JFA. Show all posts
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Tired, sleepless Azkals 'frozen'
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 14, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo checked out the pitch yesterday and couldn’t believe what he saw.
“(It) almost turned into ice,” he said on his Twitter account.
Worse, the Azkals couldn’t even get to practice and warm up because their luggage got lost somewhere in transit.
The Azkals are tired, cold and weary in Mongolia.
With only two days before the match, the Azkals are just trying to keep their confidence at a high level.
“Yesterday is over and done with,” added Borromeo from Ulan Bator, the freezing Mongolian capital where yesterday’s weather was at a low of -13 and a high of -24 degrees Celsius.
Borromeo said they’re all hoping for the best.
“Greater expectations, greater results ahead,” he said.
“Two days until game time. It’s time to focus,” said defender Anton del Rosario, who was quite surprised to find Filipino fans in Mongolia.
“What are all these Filipinos doing in Mongolia? We’ll have more fans than Mongolia,” he said.
Borromeo and the Azkals travelled almost 24 hours to get to Ulan Bator Saturday, all the way from earthquake-ravaged Gotemba in Japan via Beijing.
It was a treacherous journey out of Japan considering the damage caused by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck its northeastern coast.
The Azkals were in a training facility in Gotemba, 174 kms away from Tokyo when the great earthquake struck at 2:46 p.m. Friday.
The Azkals almost got stranded in Gotemba, and their March 15 match with Mongolia almost threatened. But the Japanese Football Association made sure they safely got out of the country.
It wasn’t easy.
The Azkals had to take a bullet train to Tokyo in the morning, and were stranded at the Narita International Airport because of flight delays.
They managed to board the plane to Beijing at around 8 p.m. and caught a connecting flight to Ulan Bator past midnight.
The Azkals arrived in Ulan Bator past 4 a.m., and, all wrapped in their Columbia thermal gear, were met by the terrible winter conditions. Ulan Bator is said to be the coldest national capital in the world.
Worse, they arrived minus their luggage, which got left behind in Beijing, and was to be brought to the Palace Hotel yesterday afternoon.
“We safely arrived in Mongolia. It’s 4:30 a.m. Definitely ready for bed,” said Simon Greatwich on Twitter.
MANILA, Philippines - Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo checked out the pitch yesterday and couldn’t believe what he saw.
“(It) almost turned into ice,” he said on his Twitter account.
Worse, the Azkals couldn’t even get to practice and warm up because their luggage got lost somewhere in transit.
The Azkals are tired, cold and weary in Mongolia.
With only two days before the match, the Azkals are just trying to keep their confidence at a high level.
“Yesterday is over and done with,” added Borromeo from Ulan Bator, the freezing Mongolian capital where yesterday’s weather was at a low of -13 and a high of -24 degrees Celsius.
Borromeo said they’re all hoping for the best.
“Greater expectations, greater results ahead,” he said.
“Two days until game time. It’s time to focus,” said defender Anton del Rosario, who was quite surprised to find Filipino fans in Mongolia.
“What are all these Filipinos doing in Mongolia? We’ll have more fans than Mongolia,” he said.
Borromeo and the Azkals travelled almost 24 hours to get to Ulan Bator Saturday, all the way from earthquake-ravaged Gotemba in Japan via Beijing.
It was a treacherous journey out of Japan considering the damage caused by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck its northeastern coast.
The Azkals were in a training facility in Gotemba, 174 kms away from Tokyo when the great earthquake struck at 2:46 p.m. Friday.
The Azkals almost got stranded in Gotemba, and their March 15 match with Mongolia almost threatened. But the Japanese Football Association made sure they safely got out of the country.
It wasn’t easy.
The Azkals had to take a bullet train to Tokyo in the morning, and were stranded at the Narita International Airport because of flight delays.
They managed to board the plane to Beijing at around 8 p.m. and caught a connecting flight to Ulan Bator past midnight.
The Azkals arrived in Ulan Bator past 4 a.m., and, all wrapped in their Columbia thermal gear, were met by the terrible winter conditions. Ulan Bator is said to be the coldest national capital in the world.
Worse, they arrived minus their luggage, which got left behind in Beijing, and was to be brought to the Palace Hotel yesterday afternoon.
“We safely arrived in Mongolia. It’s 4:30 a.m. Definitely ready for bed,” said Simon Greatwich on Twitter.
Azkals now in Mongolia, tired but in high spirits
By MIAKKA J. LIM
After shuffling through different modes of transportation in Japan Saturday, the Azkals have finally settled in Ulan Bator Sunday morning, two days before the big match against Mongolia’s Blue Wolves for the second leg of the their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round.
The Azkals’ trip to Mongolia from Japan took longer than expected after the massive 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan Friday afternoon closed down airports and disrupted other major transport services.
The national team went to Japan to conduct their high-altitude training in Gotemba City (with an elevation of 1,500 feet), on the eastern foot of Mount Fuji, south of Tokyo. This was part of their preparation to acclimatize themselves with the playing conditions in Ulan Bator, Mongolia.
The Azkals who flew in from Japan via Beijing landed at 3am Sunday while Simon Greatwich, who took a flight from Incheon City, South Korea after his flight to Tokyo was diverted to Osaka, landed a little earlier at 2:45am. Welcoming them in Mongolia was a reported -20°C weather. But team officials have confirmed that the weather is now -16 degrees Celsius, still a lot colder than expected.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Nonong Araneta spoke with GMA News Online Sunday morning and said that despite the recent catastrophe that struck the northern part of the country, they are still blessed to have had a fruitful training in Japan and was able to get to Ulan Bator safely.
He also gave praises and gratitude to the Japan Football Federation for giving them all the necessary help they needed.
Araneta also stressed that overall they had a good trip in Japan because it gave the Azkals much needed acclimatization and that they were able to play in an artificial turf just like the one that will be used during the match in Mongolia.
After all the traveling that they’ve done in the last 48 hours, Araneta said “there’s no denying the guys are tired but still in high spirits.” He added that the Azkals are “more focused to win the match.”
For the rest of Sunday, Araneta added that the Azkals will probably limber and relax to make sure their mind and body are well rested for Tuesday’s big match.
On Monday, they will visit the National Sports Stadium in Ulan Bator and start training. He said the weather forecast for Tuesday included a high of -3°C and hopefully would stay that way until game time at 1pm. — OMG, GMA News
After shuffling through different modes of transportation in Japan Saturday, the Azkals have finally settled in Ulan Bator Sunday morning, two days before the big match against Mongolia’s Blue Wolves for the second leg of the their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round.
The Azkals’ trip to Mongolia from Japan took longer than expected after the massive 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan Friday afternoon closed down airports and disrupted other major transport services.
The national team went to Japan to conduct their high-altitude training in Gotemba City (with an elevation of 1,500 feet), on the eastern foot of Mount Fuji, south of Tokyo. This was part of their preparation to acclimatize themselves with the playing conditions in Ulan Bator, Mongolia.
The Azkals who flew in from Japan via Beijing landed at 3am Sunday while Simon Greatwich, who took a flight from Incheon City, South Korea after his flight to Tokyo was diverted to Osaka, landed a little earlier at 2:45am. Welcoming them in Mongolia was a reported -20°C weather. But team officials have confirmed that the weather is now -16 degrees Celsius, still a lot colder than expected.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Nonong Araneta spoke with GMA News Online Sunday morning and said that despite the recent catastrophe that struck the northern part of the country, they are still blessed to have had a fruitful training in Japan and was able to get to Ulan Bator safely.
He also gave praises and gratitude to the Japan Football Federation for giving them all the necessary help they needed.
Araneta also stressed that overall they had a good trip in Japan because it gave the Azkals much needed acclimatization and that they were able to play in an artificial turf just like the one that will be used during the match in Mongolia.
After all the traveling that they’ve done in the last 48 hours, Araneta said “there’s no denying the guys are tired but still in high spirits.” He added that the Azkals are “more focused to win the match.”
For the rest of Sunday, Araneta added that the Azkals will probably limber and relax to make sure their mind and body are well rested for Tuesday’s big match.
On Monday, they will visit the National Sports Stadium in Ulan Bator and start training. He said the weather forecast for Tuesday included a high of -3°C and hopefully would stay that way until game time at 1pm. — OMG, GMA News
Friday, March 11, 2011
Azkals safe in Japan
MANILA---The powerful earthquake that struck most of Japan Friday spared the city of Gotemba, where the Philippine football team is currently training for the second leg of its AFC Challenge Cup showdown with Mongolia in Ulan Bator next week.
Several members of the team yesterday assured that the contingent of 24 players, coaches and team staff are safe in Gotemba, a mountainous city three hours away from the Japanese capital of Tokyo.
The Azkals had actually just finished a scrimmage against Kanto Gakuin University when the earthquake measured at 8.9 on the Richter Scalerocked Japan.
“We just finished playing when the quake hit,” said skipper Aly Borromeo on his twitter account. “We thought we were all dizzy from the game.”
Borromeo added: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the locals in Japan. Don’t worry about the team. We are all safe over here.”
“The team is alright here,” said defender Anton del Rosario. “It’s very bad out here. Flooding everywhere but we’re far from it.”
“The Azkals are safe,” assured Azkals team manager Dan Palami, who arrived from Japan Wednesday after observing training the past three days. “Felt tremors but otherwise okay.”
Palami, however, expressed concern on the status of the flight of the Azkals to Ulan Bator tonight since the Narita Airport in Japan remains closed.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta also said the PFF was still tracing the whereabouts of two United States-based players – Simon Greatwich and Jason Sabio – who were scheduled to arrive at Narita Airport today (Friday).
Greatwich was in a United Airlines flight from Houston which was scheduled to arrive in Tokyo at 2:30 p.m. Friday. Araneta said that Greatwich’s flight may still be airborne or diverted to Osaka Airport.
Sabio’s Japan Airlines flight from Chicago has reportedly arrived in Tokyo after the earthquake struck. "Sabio is in Tokyo, but we have not gotten in touch with him yet" said Araneta.
Sabio first contacted Inquirer Sports through Twitter and said that he has safely landed in Tokyo, but the passengers remain stranded inside the airplane with limited internet connection.
"Touchdown safely. Narita evacuated. In plane for 3 hrs. Don't know how long I'll be on the plane. Ground shakes every so often," posted Sabio at 6:30pm (Manila time).
/via Inquirer (by Cedelf P. Tupas, 11/03/2011)
Several members of the team yesterday assured that the contingent of 24 players, coaches and team staff are safe in Gotemba, a mountainous city three hours away from the Japanese capital of Tokyo.
The Azkals had actually just finished a scrimmage against Kanto Gakuin University when the earthquake measured at 8.9 on the Richter Scalerocked Japan.
“We just finished playing when the quake hit,” said skipper Aly Borromeo on his twitter account. “We thought we were all dizzy from the game.”
Borromeo added: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the locals in Japan. Don’t worry about the team. We are all safe over here.”
“The team is alright here,” said defender Anton del Rosario. “It’s very bad out here. Flooding everywhere but we’re far from it.”
“The Azkals are safe,” assured Azkals team manager Dan Palami, who arrived from Japan Wednesday after observing training the past three days. “Felt tremors but otherwise okay.”
Palami, however, expressed concern on the status of the flight of the Azkals to Ulan Bator tonight since the Narita Airport in Japan remains closed.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta also said the PFF was still tracing the whereabouts of two United States-based players – Simon Greatwich and Jason Sabio – who were scheduled to arrive at Narita Airport today (Friday).
Greatwich was in a United Airlines flight from Houston which was scheduled to arrive in Tokyo at 2:30 p.m. Friday. Araneta said that Greatwich’s flight may still be airborne or diverted to Osaka Airport.
Sabio’s Japan Airlines flight from Chicago has reportedly arrived in Tokyo after the earthquake struck. "Sabio is in Tokyo, but we have not gotten in touch with him yet" said Araneta.
Sabio first contacted Inquirer Sports through Twitter and said that he has safely landed in Tokyo, but the passengers remain stranded inside the airplane with limited internet connection.
"Touchdown safely. Narita evacuated. In plane for 3 hrs. Don't know how long I'll be on the plane. Ground shakes every so often," posted Sabio at 6:30pm (Manila time).
/via Inquirer (by Cedelf P. Tupas, 11/03/2011)
Sacapano takes Etheridge place for Azkals
IN the absence of ace goalie Neil Etheridge, Edward Sacapano will have to play big when the Philippine Azkals national football team takes on Mongolia right in its own turf in Ulan Bator next week.
Sacapano, a Bago City native, who played for West Negros University in college, will be the Azkals’ last line of defense against the Wolves, who will be looking to beat the Azkals at least by a score of 3-0 to clinch their home-and-away duel in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup.
The 21-year-old Fil-British Etheridge, who helped the Azkals reach the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup late last year and backstopped the same team against Mongolia during the initial home-and-away match, which the Azkals won, 2-0, in Panaad Stadium, will be gone for a month to honor his commitments with his ballclub in England.
But Sacapano’s teammate readily gave the reserve goalie their vote of confidence as they gear up for the decisive match in cold Ulan Bator.
“May tiwala kami kay Edward. Kayang-kaya niya iyan,” said Ian Araneta, one of the Azkals’ designated hitters, who plays the same position with Phil Younghusband.
A win by the Azkals will advance them into the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup which will be held in neighboring Myanmar.
The Azkals, who will fly to Ulan Bator on Saturday night, are nearing the end of their training at the Japan Football Association training facility in Gotemba City.
The Azkals only need a draw to advance in the Group Stage, where they are bracketed with Bangladesh, Palestine and Myanmar.
Aside from Sacapano, other goalkeepers on standby for the nationals are Christopher Camcam and Paolo Pascual.
Meanwhile, the Azkals got a taste of world-class football when they bowed to Kanto Gakuiin University football squad, 4-0, in an exhibition match played at the artificial pitch of the Toki no Sumika recreational facility.
Japan is rated no. 1 among Asian nations in football, and the win only underscored the Japanese’s mastery of the game.
Meanwhile, Fil-foreign booter Jason Sabio is set to join the Azkals today, along withChris (Simon - nicky) Greatwich, who be planing in from the United States. Peter Atencio
/via Manila Standard (3/11/2011)
Sacapano, a Bago City native, who played for West Negros University in college, will be the Azkals’ last line of defense against the Wolves, who will be looking to beat the Azkals at least by a score of 3-0 to clinch their home-and-away duel in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup.
The 21-year-old Fil-British Etheridge, who helped the Azkals reach the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup late last year and backstopped the same team against Mongolia during the initial home-and-away match, which the Azkals won, 2-0, in Panaad Stadium, will be gone for a month to honor his commitments with his ballclub in England.
But Sacapano’s teammate readily gave the reserve goalie their vote of confidence as they gear up for the decisive match in cold Ulan Bator.
“May tiwala kami kay Edward. Kayang-kaya niya iyan,” said Ian Araneta, one of the Azkals’ designated hitters, who plays the same position with Phil Younghusband.
A win by the Azkals will advance them into the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup which will be held in neighboring Myanmar.
The Azkals, who will fly to Ulan Bator on Saturday night, are nearing the end of their training at the Japan Football Association training facility in Gotemba City.
The Azkals only need a draw to advance in the Group Stage, where they are bracketed with Bangladesh, Palestine and Myanmar.
Aside from Sacapano, other goalkeepers on standby for the nationals are Christopher Camcam and Paolo Pascual.
Meanwhile, the Azkals got a taste of world-class football when they bowed to Kanto Gakuiin University football squad, 4-0, in an exhibition match played at the artificial pitch of the Toki no Sumika recreational facility.
Japan is rated no. 1 among Asian nations in football, and the win only underscored the Japanese’s mastery of the game.
Meanwhile, Fil-foreign booter Jason Sabio is set to join the Azkals today, along with
/via Manila Standard (3/11/2011)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Azkals not affected by 7.2 quake in Japan
THE Philippine Azkals were not affected by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck 160 kilometers east of the main Honshu island of Japan yesterday, according to a report on the team’s Facebook page.
"A member of the Azkal coaching staff has confirmed the team was not affected by the recent earthquake in Japan," wrote the administrator of the page, referring to the team currently training in Gotemba City at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
The Filipino booters have been in Japan since Monday under the auspices of the Japan Football Association for the final phase of their buildup for the return march of their Asian Challenge Cup series against Mongolia on March 15 in Ulan Bator.
They beat the Blue Wolves 2-0 in the opener of the series last Feb. 9 at the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City and need only a draw to advance to the group stage in Myanmar starting on March 21.
Messages posted by some players on the social networking site Tweeter showed the players were not affected by the jolt.
"Time to get some shuteye. First practice game tomorrow..first time to play a Jap team! Go Pilipinas!" co-captain Aly Borromeo tweeted.
"Quick tweet before taking a nap... HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY! Haha, love that word! "Wonderful wonderful wonderful" (Movie Trivia: who says it?)" defender Anton del Rosario wrote in a separate tweet.
While his teammates were coping with the bone-chilling Japanese weather, regular goalie Neil Etheridge was loaned by his club, Fulham, to injury-hit second division squad Charlton Athletic.
"The 21-year-old Enfield-born Philippine international will go straight into the Addicks squad for Tuesday night’s trip to Milton Keynes," the BBC news website reported last Tuesday.
/via Malaya (by BONG PEDRALVEZ, 3/10/2011)
"A member of the Azkal coaching staff has confirmed the team was not affected by the recent earthquake in Japan," wrote the administrator of the page, referring to the team currently training in Gotemba City at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
The Filipino booters have been in Japan since Monday under the auspices of the Japan Football Association for the final phase of their buildup for the return march of their Asian Challenge Cup series against Mongolia on March 15 in Ulan Bator.
They beat the Blue Wolves 2-0 in the opener of the series last Feb. 9 at the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City and need only a draw to advance to the group stage in Myanmar starting on March 21.
Messages posted by some players on the social networking site Tweeter showed the players were not affected by the jolt.
"Time to get some shuteye. First practice game tomorrow..first time to play a Jap team! Go Pilipinas!" co-captain Aly Borromeo tweeted.
"Quick tweet before taking a nap... HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY! Haha, love that word! "Wonderful wonderful wonderful" (Movie Trivia: who says it?)" defender Anton del Rosario wrote in a separate tweet.
While his teammates were coping with the bone-chilling Japanese weather, regular goalie Neil Etheridge was loaned by his club, Fulham, to injury-hit second division squad Charlton Athletic.
"The 21-year-old Enfield-born Philippine international will go straight into the Addicks squad for Tuesday night’s trip to Milton Keynes," the BBC news website reported last Tuesday.
/via Malaya (by BONG PEDRALVEZ, 3/10/2011)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Azkals do everything not to 'freeze to death'
Temperature is the one thing standing between the Azkals and the AFC Challenge Cup, and the team knows it.
Because of this, the Azkals have been doing everything they can to get acclimatized to Mongolia’s sub-zero weather – they trained in Baguio, spent an afternoon at Snow World, and got to Japan to train some more in the snow before flying to Mongolia next week.
“We're all excited to train at the J Village!" tweeted skipper Aly Borromeo before they left Monday afternoon.
J-Village is the national training facility of the Japan Football Association. The temperature currently plays between two to three degrees Celsius in Japan. Still not Mongolia-cold, but it’s cold enough for them to get acclimatized.
“By the time we play in Mongolia in March, it's going to be around zero or one degree. We've been keeping track of the weather, and it's getting warmer," said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta.
The Azkals will play against the Blue Wolves at 1p.m., the warmest time of the day. Even with the sun burning at midday, Araneta says the players will “freeze to death" if they’re clothed in their usual uniforms.
To counter the cold, official outfitter Mizuno provided thermal wear last Thursday for the players to keep them warm as they play in the qualifier on March 15.
Winger Chieffy Caligdong, who scored the Azkals’ first goal against Mongolia, stressed that thermal wear is crucial to their performance in the second leg.
“Yung Fil-foreigners na-experience na yung ganung kalamig, pero kaming mga local players talagang mas mag-aadjust. Mas kailangan namin ng mga ganitong equipment," the Mizuno endorser said.
The material of the shorts they will be using is micro-fiber which is basically wind-proof. Aside from the uniforms, Mizuno will be providing additional equipment, tracksuits and mid thermal socks.
“With the equipment provided by Mizuno, I think we can perform even better in Mongolia than here in the Philippines," Araneta added.
Mongolia is down by two goals in the home-and-away series. As a result, they are trying to bank on the cold weather to outscore the Azkals in leg two. Mongolia even rejected the Philippines’ request to train there a week before the match to get acclimatized.
Luck isn’t on Mongolia’s side though as they might play with three men down.
According to Araneta, two of the Blue Wolves are injured and might not play at all. P. Altantulga was thrown out in leg one so he can’t join the next game too.
The Azkals will train in Japan until March 13, and then head straight to Ulan Bator for their match. If they beat Mongolia, they will advance to the group stage in Myanmar on March 21. -- Mav C. Gonzales/OMG, GMA News
/via gmanews.tv
Because of this, the Azkals have been doing everything they can to get acclimatized to Mongolia’s sub-zero weather – they trained in Baguio, spent an afternoon at Snow World, and got to Japan to train some more in the snow before flying to Mongolia next week.
“We're all excited to train at the J Village!" tweeted skipper Aly Borromeo before they left Monday afternoon.
J-Village is the national training facility of the Japan Football Association. The temperature currently plays between two to three degrees Celsius in Japan. Still not Mongolia-cold, but it’s cold enough for them to get acclimatized.
“By the time we play in Mongolia in March, it's going to be around zero or one degree. We've been keeping track of the weather, and it's getting warmer," said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta.
The Azkals will play against the Blue Wolves at 1p.m., the warmest time of the day. Even with the sun burning at midday, Araneta says the players will “freeze to death" if they’re clothed in their usual uniforms.
To counter the cold, official outfitter Mizuno provided thermal wear last Thursday for the players to keep them warm as they play in the qualifier on March 15.
Winger Chieffy Caligdong, who scored the Azkals’ first goal against Mongolia, stressed that thermal wear is crucial to their performance in the second leg.
“Yung Fil-foreigners na-experience na yung ganung kalamig, pero kaming mga local players talagang mas mag-aadjust. Mas kailangan namin ng mga ganitong equipment," the Mizuno endorser said.
The material of the shorts they will be using is micro-fiber which is basically wind-proof. Aside from the uniforms, Mizuno will be providing additional equipment, tracksuits and mid thermal socks.
“With the equipment provided by Mizuno, I think we can perform even better in Mongolia than here in the Philippines," Araneta added.
Mongolia is down by two goals in the home-and-away series. As a result, they are trying to bank on the cold weather to outscore the Azkals in leg two. Mongolia even rejected the Philippines’ request to train there a week before the match to get acclimatized.
Luck isn’t on Mongolia’s side though as they might play with three men down.
According to Araneta, two of the Blue Wolves are injured and might not play at all. P. Altantulga was thrown out in leg one so he can’t join the next game too.
The Azkals will train in Japan until March 13, and then head straight to Ulan Bator for their match. If they beat Mongolia, they will advance to the group stage in Myanmar on March 21. -- Mav C. Gonzales/OMG, GMA News
/via gmanews.tv
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