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