Philippine women's football team excited to test itself against world no. 18 South Korea

The FIFA Women's World Cup may be more than a year away from now but the Philippine women's national football team will already be put to test against one of the top teams in the world.

The national team will play world no. 18 South Korea in the semifinals of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, but the Filipina booters admit there will be less pressure when they enter the field on Thursday.

"Our goal wasn't really to win the tournament but to get to that qualifying match and qualify for the World Cup," goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel said in a press conference on Monday.

"We can all just take a breath and say, 'You know what, we're just so happy and grateful to be here,' and just have fun. This is what we love to do. This is our passion," she added. "I think it will just be a fun game for everyone."

Pressure aside, McDaniel admitted she is also excited to go against South Korea to be in the same playing field against South Korea's Ji So Yun. She also hopes that some members of global group BTS will watch the match.

"I'm truly hoping because I know some of them are into sports so I'm hoping a couple of members might be watching the game and maybe things may happen," the self-confessed BTS fan said in jest.

Meanwhile, Sarina Bolden looks to the South Korea game as a benchmark for going against higher-ranked teams.

"We did it through the qualifiers. This is just another opportunity to grow as a team, play against a top-[ranked] team, and see where we are against another benchmark," Bolden said. "I have no doubt in my mind that we'll be able to give them a good run for their money."

Philippine Women's Football Association president and former national team player Natasha Alquiros also believes while going against South Korea will be a tough task, it is still doable.

"With the track record of the Philippine national women's team, it's not impossible," she said in a virtual panel discussion with GMA News Online on Tuesday. "I wouldn't be surprised if we pull off a stunner against South Korea."

The Philippines will go against South Korea on Thursday at 4 p.m.

—MGP, GMA News