Philippines women’s national football team should feel immensely proud of themselves; qualifying for the World Cup has stirred considerable excitement among girls around the country and spurred much enthusiasm about this form of competition.
Alen Stajcic coached the Australian Women’s National Team (or Matildas). Many members of this squad hold dual US citizenship. In this article, we will discuss about philippines womens national football team.
They qualified for the 2023 FIFA World Cup
With its combination of North American-Filipino talent and experienced coach Alen Stajcic from Australia Women’s team fame, the Philippines women’s national football team has rapidly emerged as an effective force. Set to make history at the 2023 FIFA World Cup hosted in Australia and New Zealand.
Philippines qualified for this summer’s tournament by defeating Chinese Taipei in an intense shootout during the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup in January. American player Sarina Bolden scored the winning penalty kick to secure their participation at this summer’s event; their success provided a huge boost to Philippine national pride as they had never previously qualified for any World Cup tournament before this victory.
Philippines female team hopes to bring more interest to football through stellar World Cup performances and inspire young Filipinos by motivating more girls to join its ranks.
Philippines won’t be favorites to win any matches at the 2023 World Cup, but they do stand a good chance of reaching the final round. Their squad is well-coached and boasts an experienced roster, including goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel who made her international debut against New Zealand.
McDaniel was a highlight of a thrilling campaign for Filipino athletes that saw them punch far above their weight and create new sports idols. Although they fell to Norway 6-0 on Sunday, their new fans cheered them on and have pledged that they will return stronger next time around.
The Philippines are among the youngest teams competing at this year’s World Cup, but their youth doesn’t make them any less of a threat. Their main aim is to shock established teams like Denmark and South Korea – who currently sit tied on points – but also has an excellent shot of beating Sweden and China.
They won gold in the AFF Women’s Championship
Filipinas have endured years of futile attempts at winning major tournaments, until finally finding success when they took home the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship trophy. After defeating Vietnam in the semifinals and Thailand 0-3 in the finals respectively, winning on home ground earned them their inaugural international football trophy and solidified them as Southeast Asian soccer queens.
Philippines women’s team have recently achieved second highest ranking among Asian teams behind China, and will compete at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Germany alongside Japan and Thailand. Making their World Cup debut is no small achievement given that their first national team was only established in 1985! Their incredible rise up the rankings can be credited to Coach Alen Stajcic’s hard work as well as his players’ commitment.
Filipinas won the AFF Women’s Championship and now seek to do more than simply reach the playoffs at the 2023 World Cup. Drawn into Group A alongside Norway, Switzerland and joint hosts New Zealand; their opponents may be tough, but they remain optimistic they may produce an upset!
Filipinas have been actively recruiting players from across North America in preparation for a larger platform. Working alongside a player liaison and recruiting officer named Mark Magune – himself from Filipino descent – they scouted talent in Los Angeles; Magune has reported on an abundance of good prospects who might suit the national team.
Magune has also assisted the Philippine Football Federation with the launch of a local women’s league, which will enable their women’s national team to improve fitness levels and keep match competitions going longer, as well as develop local game and hopefully attract sponsors. Their success at AFF Women’s Championship should increase interest in the league resulting in revenue boost for Philippine national team football team.
They won bronze in the 2022 Southeast Asian Games
Philippine Women’s National Football Team ended a 37-year medal drought at the Southeast Asian Games by taking home bronze at 2022 edition in Vietnam. Philippines surprised repeat champion Thailand and Myanmar by placing among top three finishes; marking best performance since 1985 when only three teams participated.
Myanmar’s Khin Marlar Tun was brought down in the box by Pinay goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, earning him a penalty kick and easily converting it. McDaniel made several crucial saves throughout the match to deny War Elephants any hope of making a comeback attempt.
McDaniel’s heroics propelled the Philippines into the semifinals against Vietnam. Although their match was marred by rain, the Filipinos managed to put on an impressive performance against an excellent Vietnamese team; although trailing 1-0 early, the Filipinos scored two quick-fire goals to come from behind and secure victory 2-1.
Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada scored two late goals to turn around a one-goal deficit against host nation Malaysia and secure their nation a spot in 2023 FIFA World Cup competition – in turn ending 36 years of medal drought at Southeast Asian Games competition.
Filipino Women’s National Team have made history. Though mostly made up of US-born players, their international debut at a World Cup will make history when they face Switzerland in Dunedin on July 21. Their strength lies in dual national players as they prepare to shock everyone with their performance in New Zealand.
Alen Stajcic, their Australian coach, believes that Filipino players can make an impressionful impression at this tournament. His recruitment policy favors talent over nationality: If someone carries Filipino blood through their veins while being competent footballers then “I will consider recruiting them”, as per him.
They qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Philippines Women’s National Football Team became the first Southeast Asian nation to qualify for a World Cup when they defeated Switzerland on July 21 in Dunedin. Under coach Alen Stajcic – who led Australian Women’s National Team to an Olympic bronze medal – their squad contains dual US nationality players that have transitioned seamlessly from college level play.
Though the team may not make it past the group stage at this World Cup, their success will serve as an inspiration to younger Filipino players. Despite being lowly-ranked teams themselves, the players remain committed to competing hard against teams with more resources and winning matches whenever possible – and hope their success can change the perception that football in the Philippines remains predominantly an exclusive sport for rich people.
Filipino players playing for the national team is more than just a career path; it provides them with a way of connecting to their heritage and culture – particularly among women in diaspora communities in America, where many find a sense of identity through soccer.
Many of the Philippine players hail from former A-League teams, such as Angela Beard and Jaclyn Sawicki from Western United. Kiara Fontanilla from Division II Eastern Oregon University earned her spot through an open tryout camp held last November in Irvine.
Philippines will face Norway, Switzerland and co-host New Zealand in their World Cup pool. Although underdogs against their opponents, the Filipinos stand a good chance at reaching the quarterfinals and this marks their debut appearance at an International Championship tournament.
Attracting great interest from both Filipino-Americans and SMC alumni alike, Maya Alcantara – daughter of Filipino immigrants from San Francisco who plays for both teams simultaneously – should draw considerable interest at this tournament is expected to draw lots of eyeballs to Philippine’ performance at this tournament. She may even feature among many dual-national players included on their roster.
Also Read: