Sara Eggesvik is looking forward for better days in Philippine women’s football after a historic debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. PFF photo
Filipinas hope to sustain World Cup momentum
READY to carry the momentum from its historic debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Philippines is looking forward for another breakthrough in the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games in China next month even with the departure of coach Alen Stajcic.
The Filipinas are also competing in the second round of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Perth, Australia in October.
During their homecoming event at the Adidas Brand Center in Ayala Malls Glorietta on Thursday, Katrina Guillou said that while there’s no pressure for them to bring home the gold, they want to play their usual game.
“I wouldn’t say there’s any pressure but, definitely, as a group and as a team we want to keep building off the momentum that we have. So we want to keep bettering ourselves, taking on more opponents tough ones,” Guillou said.
“As long as we keep our core values the same, we remain together as a group and as a family, it doesn’t matter who our coaching staff is. We’re going to be able to accomplish the same goals that we set out (to achieve),” said Filipinas defender Sofia Harrison.
What’s good for the Philippines is most of the players are committed to represent the country in Asiad.
“Most of us are available. If we get the call, I think, obviously, if we’re able, we’re all ready to play for the country,” said Filipinas forward Chandler McDaniel.
Playing in its first-ever World Cup was truly an experience for the Philippines, the most memorable of all was the epic 1-0 win over co-hosts New Zealand.
The victory was a big deal for Sara Eggesvik, who assisted Sarina Bolden’s 24th minute header.
“I feel like we’ve grown and learned a lot from it,” said Eggesvik, one of the Filipinas’ fan favorites.
“Seeing how the level is in international football, it’s just getting better and better so, we need to be able to cope with all of that and train hard and it’s not going to be easy. It takes a lot of hard work to get there but I’m looking forward to the future of Philippine football.” she added.
The Philippines remains upbeat even with the coaching staff led by Stajcic and his trusted assistant, Nahuel Arrarte, decided not to renew their contracts after the World Cup.
Stajcic was named the new coach for A-League men’s side Perth Glory on Thursday.
“We want to just grow this program and make sure we stay at the world stage and we stay on everyone’s minds and that this does not die out and it’s not a one-time thing,” said goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
The Filipinas also got a chance to interact with their supporters in a two-hour meet and greet session.
The homecoming continues for the Philippine women’s football team, as Taguig City will hold a welcome parade and meet and greet with the fans at the Bonifacio Global City today at 4 p.m.
