BACOLOD, Philippines, Oct. 14 -- China's national football team wrapped up its pre-game press conference in under two minutes here on Monday evening ahead of their 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier against the Philippines.

The press conference had originally been canceled due to heavy traffic in Bacolod City, according to a statement issued by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) through its official Weibo account.

"The press conference was initially scheduled at 6:15pm, but the team arrived in the stadium at around 6:30pm with around half-an-hour delay," read the statement.

"In order to give our nationals more time for training in the field and to take a good rest after the training session, the CFA decide to finish the press conference earlier after a negotiation with the organizers," it added.

Head coach Marcello Lippi, along with captain Hao Junmin and Lippi's translator, stepped into the press conference room in the Panaad Stadium for a few photographs and then left.

Team Dragon arrived in Bacolod last Sunday evening, less than 48 hours before their clash against the Philippines on Tuesday.

By contrast, the host team arrived in Bacolod City a few days ago, and have been taking twice-daily training sessions ahead of their match against the highest-ranked team in qualifying Group A.

Philippines captain Stephan Schrock stressed that anything can happen in football, including a surprise win over China.

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