The Philippine women’s football team carved their names in PH sports history as the first Filipino team to qualify for the World Cup.
For the first time, the Philippines secured a historic seat in the FIFA World Cup after a triumphant quarterfinal game against Chinese Taipei on January 30 at the AFC Asian Cup 2022.
Although ranked No. 64 and playing teams ranked over 20 places higher, the Malditas were determined to win and secure a maiden berth for the Philippines at the World Cup.
“There are so many positives within this group – such a good group, such a united group – that I’ve noticed. I know that they’re all aligned and driven to succeed as one and that’s what we have to do to give ourselves every possible chance of getting in one of those spots for the World Cup,” said PH head coach Alen Stajcic.
The Filipino lady booters outlasted Taiwan, 4-3, on penalties, with forward Sarina Bolden scoring the winning goal. Both teams fought to a 1-1 draw after full-time, sending the quarterfinal match to a thrilling shoot-out. After 11 penalty kicks and a tie, 3-3, the Malditas’ chance at landing a spot at the World Cup was all up to Bolden’s penalty kick.
“I just wanted to finish it.” Kicking the ball farther than the reach of the Taiwanese goalkeeper, Bolden did just that and sent the Philippines to the biggest stage there is in the sport.
A few days before the thriller, the Filipina booters ended their winless drought against Thailand after 12 failed attempts in the past. The stunning victory was a “big weight off the shoulders of the players who have been in this team for a long time,” according to Stajcic.
“We all knew that if we wanted to get a spot in the World Cup that this was the first step,” said goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Little did they know that they would be heading to football’s grandest tournament and the semifinals of the Asian Cup.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement by the group, and a moment in history for the country, you won’t be able to take that away from the group. [...] For now, every young kid back at home in the Philippines can be inspired to get to the World Cup themselves. The group is really proud of each other, but they’re even more proud to inspire the next generation,” said Stajcic.
The Philippines is one of four teams that made it through to the semifinals, with the other three being South Korea, China, and Japan. Unfortunately, the Malditas’ historic run ended when they fell to the South Koreans during the semifinals last February 3. Despite their exit from the Asian Cup, the Philippines is still one of six Asian countries headed to the 2023 World Cup.
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