Filipinas get a warm welcome at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand ahead of their Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign. Photo from the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand
MANILA, Philippines-The Philippine women’s football team arrived in New Zealand on Monday to begin final preparations for its historic campaign in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
A video which went almost four minutes from the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand showed the Filipinas contingent being greeted by consulate officials and boisterous supporters at Auckland International Airport.
Philippine ambassador to New Zealand Kira Christianne Azucena led the welcoming committee while chants usually heard during football games in Manila reverberated once the players, coaches and staff came out.
They were later treated to a welcome dinner to cap off their first day in the country where the Philippines will play its Group A matches.
Auckland will be the team’s base camp until the conclusion of the group stage, with coach Alen Stajcic set to use the remaining days before the World Cup opener to iron out some kinks in the armor.
Among the Filipinas’ itinerary before the real action begins is a closed-door training match against Sweden on July 17 in Wellington.
Switzerland will be the Philippines’ first match on July 21 in Dunedin, which would require a short flight from Auckland.
The Filipinas then head to Wellington to meet host New Zealand on July 25 before permanently staying in Auckland until the end of the group stage for the July 30 meet with Norway.
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