POC heaps praises for Filipinas, RP Blu Girls

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino commended the Philippine women's football and softball teams for their achievements thus far in their respective World Cup stints.

The Filipinas have recently punched the country's first goal and first victory in football's biggest stage after upsetting co-host New Zealand, 1-0, at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on Tuesday.

Striker Sarina Bolden delivered the lone goal in the 24th minute via a header off a cross from Sara Eggesvik while keeper Olivia McDaniel made sure to never allow a single New Zealand kick get through her defense.

Meanwhile, the RP Blu Girls defeated host Italy and New Zealand to advance to the group stage playoff of the 2023 Softball World Cup after finishing the eliminations with a 2-3 win-loss card.

“It’s God’s gift,” said Tolentino. “The Filipinas are the underdogs. Chance favors the prepared mind and in the Filipinas’ case, they are the prepared team."

Tolentino also said that as the 2024 Paris Olympics looms, the Filipino athletes continue to train harder as they look to banner the Philippines' 100th year of participation in the Summer Games.

“God-willing, and with our athletes training harder and with more dedication and focus, we can do better in Paris,” Tolentino said.

The Paris Olympics will be held exactly a year from now.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News