Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30) — The Philippine women’s football team is all set to play their most crucial game in history as they chase for the country’s first World Cup berth against Chinese Taipei tonight in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
“All Filipinos are true to their core Filipino. I think we show our heart, our integrity, and our discipline that all Filipinos have. Regardless of who’s out there on the pitch, I think we’re really good at showing that,” said team co-captain Hali Long in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
A win against Chinese Taipei tonight, with the game starting at 10 p.m. Philippine time, will send the Philippines not only to its first semifinal appearance in the continental tournament but more importantly to its very first Women’s World Cup trip.
“It will be monumental for us. It will be history. It will be something we’ve never had before,” Long said on the chances of the Philippines playing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Philippines head coach Alen Stajcic said their outstanding group stage campaign has boosted his players’ confidence, but they need to refocus their mindset in beating their Taiwanese foes in the quarterfinals to nail the coveted World Cup appearance.
Stajcic added that he believes Chinese Taipei has more advantage than the Philippine team, with the Taiwanese booters playing only two group stage games due to the sudden pullout of host country India in Group A.
“If you look at the rankings, they’re probably the favorites. The biggest advantage they have is the fact the competition lost a little bit of integrity when India withdrew and Chinese Taipei only have to play two games. We’ve had to play three games in the short space of time,” he explained.
The Australian-born coach, who was brought in to the team last October, noted the Philippines-Chinese Taipei quarterfinals battle is an important step for the growth of women’s football in both areas.
“I become really excited as a coach and every fan out of there from both countries should really get up and watch it because it is a game that could really go either way. It’s a big moment for both countries and I just hope it’s a great contest and a great show for every spectator out there to support women’s Asian football,” Stajcic said.
