OLIVIA McDaniel and Sara Eggesvik, who along with Sarina Bolden were the biggest heroes in the Philippines’ historic first win in the FIFA Women’s World Cup against New Zealand, arrived together with 11 other players in the country yesterday afternoon.

The Filipinas were presented with flowers and banners congratulating them for the accomplishments in the world’s biggest women’s football showpiece upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

“I’m so glad we’re able to come back with such a historic win, and you know, able to bring something back to the Philippines, to our home country. It’s really exciting to be here, and we can’t wait to get around and talk to everybody,” said McDaniel, who delivered an epic clean sheet in the Philippines’ 1-0 victory over the co-hosts a week ago that sparked big celebrations.

Other Filipinas who arrived were Jaclyn Sawicki, Meryll Serrano, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Alicia Barker, Ryley Bugay, Kaiya Jota, Quinley Quezada and Isabella Pasion.

One of the more heartwarming moments during the arrival was when Eggesvik gave her jersey to a 7-year-old fan at the airport.

The Philippines arrival came a day after Alen Stajcic’s departure as head coach of the Filipinas.

Eggesvik, whose assist to Bolden paved the way for the historic first World Cup goal, knows that the country’s program will have to move on.

After all there is life after Stajcic, who was credited for the Philippines’ first-ever Women’s World Cup appearance, as well as a semifinals finish in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the country’s first-ever title in the AFF Women’s Championship.

“Nothing lasts forever. He did a really nice job, and we’re grateful that he was with us and what he has achieved with us. But this is also maybe a new chapter for Filipino football,” Eggesvik said.

Belay Fernando-Dela Cruz, the Filipinas’ team administrator who is also the PFF head of women’s football, has already prepared for this scenario.

Stajcic took over from Marlon Maro back in October 2021.

“We have to regroup obviously, and obviously the federation has been preparing already for this. This team has been purely focused on the job at the World Cup, and we’ll take a few days’ rest, and then we go again,” Fernando-Dela Cruz said.

The Philippines will next compete in the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games in China in September and then the Olympic qualifying tournament in Australia.