Auckland City got a taste of things to come at the FIFA Club World Cup within minutes of touching down in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Allan Jones’ side hadn’t even cleared customs before being caught on camera by a fascinated Japanese media corp keen to capture the arrival of the Kiwi amateurs ahead of Sunday’s tournament opener against African champions Al Ahly (Egypt).
More media were waiting in Narita airport’s arrival area with the home-coming of Auckland’s Japanese import Teruo Iwamoto understandably creating the most interest.
The 34-year-old, who scored two goals in nine appearances for Japan, is a household name in Japan after starring in a television series before linking with the NZFC and Oceania Champions for his short pre-Christmas stint.