BTS fan McDaniel extra excited heading into Korea clash

Philippines forward Sarina Bolden, left, and keeper Olivia McDaniel gesture during a Zoom interview. The World Cup-bound Philippines faces South Korea in the AFC Asian Cup semifinals on Thursday.

MANILA, Philippines—Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, whose heroics fueled the Philippines’ quarterfinal victory over Chinese Taipei in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Pune, India, admitted she will be carrying extra doses of excitement going into the semifinal duel against South Korea.

And it’s not just getting a chance to play against ace midfielder Ji So-yun, the Korean skipper and Chelsea standout.

It’s also because she’s hoping that somehow popular boy band BTS will manage to catch a glimpse of their game too.

“Now that [we’re playing South Korea], maybe a couple of members—I know some of them are sports fans too—will watch the game,” McDaniel, a self-confessed BTS fan said, laughing during a Zoom interview on Monday.

“Something might happen and who knows, I might get a meet-and-greet,” added McDaniel.

The stout-hearted keeper saved two shots and had a goal during penalties, which the Philippines won, 4-3, after a 1-1 draw.

Sarina Bolden, who scored the decisive sudden-death penalty kick, egged journalists to “get [the story] out there” so it reaches BTS.

Asked if there was any of the BTS members specifically that McDaniel hoped would watch the game, she said: “J-Hope.”
“I love him,” McDaniel said.

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