Against all odds, Philippines will represent themselves in the biggest international tournament at Australia and New Zealand for the first time in their history. Alen Stajcic’s side had a sensational run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup that helped them to do this stage but they are not done yet. Whatever their result might be on the global stage, they have made the nation proud back home. Hence, Philippines are expected to give their best at the tournament to add to their unbelievable progress in women’s football.
Qualification for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Surprising everyone, Philippines made it to the semifinals of the Asian Cup last year. They came second in the group containing co-hosts Australia, Thailand and Indonesia and beat Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals. That dramatic penalty victory ultimately secured their passage to the pinnacle competition. Although their journey was ended by South Korea in the next round, the achievement and pride were undeniable.
Preparation for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Philippines took to a number of competitions after their magnificent Asian Cup display. The first was the 2022 AFF Women's Championship which they won defeating Thailand in the final. The Pinatar Cup this year against the European nations was not a success but a crucial experience gainer of the challenges the side could face in the Women’s World Cup. Next, Philippines managed to enter the second round of the Olympics qualifiers before just failing to qualify for the semifinals of the South Asian Games. Their last friendly before the event rolls in will be against heavyweights Sweden in Wellington on July 17th, 2023.
Philippines Squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Goalkeepers: Kiara Fontanilla (Central Coast Mariners), Kaiya Jota (Stanford Cardinal), Olivia McDaniel (Milwaukee Panthers)
Defenders: Alicia Barker (Illinois Fighting Illini), Angela Beard (Western United), Reina Bonta (Santos), Malea Cesar (Blacktown City), Jessica Cowart (IFK Kalmar), Sofia Harrison (Werder Bremen), Hali Long (Kaya-Iloilo), Dominique Randle (Þór/KA)
Midfielders: Tahnai Annis (Þór/KA), Ryley Bugay (1. FC Saarbrücken), Anicka Castañeda (Mt Druitt Town Rangers), Sara Eggesvik (KIL/Hemne), Quinley Quezada (Red Star Belgrade), Jaclyn Sawicki (Western United)
Forwards: Sarina Bolden (Western Sydney Wanderers), Isabella Flanigan (West Virginia Mountaineers), Carleigh Frilles (Blacktown Spartans), Katrina Guillou (Piteå IF), Chandler McDaniel (Milwaukee Panthers), Meryll Serrano (Stabæk
Head Coach: Alen Stajcic
Strength
The mentality of the team is strong and they refuse to go down in tough situations. This characteristic will help the side hold firm in the competition. Philippines are also fearless in the sense they stick to their style of play regardless of the opposition they face. It brings consistency in. everything they do. Unity is also an appreciable feature Stajcic’s side carries. The squad carry good quality and foreign exposure like forward Sarina Bolden playing in the A-League in Australia and Sofia Harrison of German club Werder Bremen. Quinley Quezada and Katrina Guillou also ply their trade in Sweden.
Weakness
Like other new nations in the Women’s World Cup after the expansion to 32 teams, Philippines will get to feel the heat of the competition which is expected to be unbearable. Completely being new to the tournament will require time to have hold of things. The nation from Asia are a solid unit but it will not be enough for them to progress to the knockouts they dream of. Especially with Norway and Switzerland sniffing around. Co-hosts, New Zealand are a difficult outfit as well with tournament experience and all of these sides being higher ranked than them.
Key Player: Hali Long
Local-based Hali Long will be key to the defence for the team in the competition. Not only because of her command in her role but also her experience. Long is the most capped current international in the squad and will lead from the back. Her astuteness will relax the pressure on the team and drive belief in her teammates. The back-line and the goalkeeper department should be up to scratch to make it as difficult as possible with the 28-year-old at the heart of it.
How will the Philippines Lineup at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023?
Philippines FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Groups & Fixtures
Group A
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Switzerland
Fixtures
Friday, 21 July 2023
Philippines vs Switzerland - Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (10:30)
Tuesday, 25 July 2023
New Zealand vs Philippines - Wellington Regional Stadium (11:00)
Sunday, 30 July 2023
Norway vs Philippines - Eden Park, Auckland (12:30)
Note: All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST)
Prediction
Philippines are entering the tournament probably with the biggest underdog tag. So, their main aim is to show their progress without fear in doing the best they can. Avoiding humiliation will be first on the agenda while putting up a credible performance. Stajcic’s side will create more history in the tournament and make sure they bow out with heads held high.
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