Phl Azkals hit frosty Japan

MANILA, Philippines - Based on the weather forecast, a snow shower was to greet the Azkals upon their arrival in Gotemba, Japan from Manila last night.

The Azkals left for Tokyo yesterday afternoon and were to travel another 174 kms to get to Gotemba, their training sight for the next few days.

Gotemba is located near the foot of Mount Fuji, and again based on the weather forecast the temperature should be at one degree in the evening.

With snow showers.

The Azkals, however, are all armed to face the big chill, with their thermal clothes provided by their official outfitter, Mizuno.

They will be in Gotemba until the 12th before they head to Ulan Bator in Mongolia for their March 15 match with the hosts.

In Ulan Bator, the weather could be even be colder. And the competition, hotter.

The Azkals beat the Mongolians at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, 2-0, last Feb. 9 and should advance to the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup as long as they don’t lose by three or more goals.

In the group stage, waiting for the Azkals, granting that they move on, are matches against Bangladesh, Myanmar and Palestine on March 21, 23 and 25.

In Yangon, Myanmar, the Azkals could face their toughest test since they were thrown into the limelight following their historic finish in the AFF Suzuki Cup last December.

Team manager Dan Palami said they wanted to go straight to Ulan Bator but were forced out by circumstance.

 “We wanted to train in Mongolia immediately. However the Mongolia Football Federation did not allow us access to the pitches earlier,” he told ABS-CBN prior to their departure.

“But in Japan we’ll be playing against two teams. The weather may not be as cold but it’s also ranging from zero to 3 degrees,” he added.