PREVIEW: Filipinas face monumental, but not impossible, task in FIFA Women’s World Cup

After months of anticipation, it is finally upon us.

On July 21, 2023, the Philippines is set to compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the very first time.

After securing direct qualification to the World Cup via a semi-finals berth in the 2022 AFC Asian Cup, the Filipinas had an unprecedented 18 months to prepare for one of football’s biggest stages, playing friendlies in Europe and South America along with training camps in Australia.

The final 23 players have also been selected, with a healthy mix of veterans and young players raring to prove their worth to the world.

Some may say that the Philippines got the luck of the draw, getting hosts New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway in Group A and avoiding the traditional football heavyweights.

But it was always going to be tough for the much lower-ranked Philippines whoever they will face, especially against the more experienced European teams.

Group A, however, offers the Philippines more than a sliver of hope, and while it will take a monumental effort from the team to earn points and progress, it is not impossible.

To get a historic result, it will be much expected that the Filipinas will employ compact and resolute defense anchored on a back four led by Hali Long and Angie Beard.

As one of the captains of the team, Long has been the leaders of the team on and off the pitch. But her leadership – and her skills marshalling the back – will be put to the ultimate test against strong opposition.

She may be a late addition to the team, but there is no questioning Beard’s credentials and experience, especially on the defensive end where she will have her work cut out for her.

Midfielders Jackie Sawicki, Sara Eggesvik, and captain Tahnai Annis will similarly have to run their socks off to help both the defense and the final third.

All eyes will be on talisman Sarina Bolden as she will look to carry the scoring cudgels of the team, and Quinley Quezada will quietly look to add to her record goals for the country.

A defensive mindset may be what the fans expect, but for team manager Jefferson Cheng, a winning mindset is equally important.

“The mindset is we want to win all matches that we participate in, that is why we provide the best possible preparation for the team before every tournament,” says Cheng.

For Coach Alen Stajcic, “The objectives are clear."

“To improve every time we go out on the field and to work hard and prepare to give ourselves the best possible chance of winning against any opponent.”

I was fortunate to have witnessed the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, seeing Aya Miyama score for Japan and joining scores of Japanese celebrate the beautiful game.

This time, heading to New Zealand to support our very own country, the one thing that I am very much looking forward to aside from cheering on our team, is hearing our national anthem played in a World Cup for the very first time.

As a fan it can get emotional, but one can only imagine the feeling that the players would go through, hearing the strains of “Lupang Hinirang” on the World Cup stage.

Captain Hali Long says, “I can’t tell you exactly how I (will) feel, but it’s just so overwhelming.”

“It’s overwhelming, full of joy, and really grateful and honored that I get to do that for the Philippines.”

There is a palpable sense of joy and pride being able to make it to the FIFA Women’s World Cup – and rightly so. Qualification is not easy and never guaranteed, so participation should be enthusiastically celebrated.

That is why it is hoped that sports fans throw their support behind the team from the onset, they deserve this much.

Let’s go Filipinas!

The world awaits.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News