Olivia McDaniel seals the deal for the Filipinos with this brilliant save. —PHOTOS FROM AFC
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine women’s football team goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel showed nerves of steel in her late-game heroics that propelled the country to its breakthrough World Cup berth.
McDaniel had a pair of crucial saves and a goal that paved way for teammate Sarina Bolden’s clincher in a penalty shootout against Taiwan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
“[It was] an unbelievably brave act to have that level of composure and bravery to step up for the team and the coolness to slot it away. I think that’s massive pressure,” Philippine team coach Alen Stajcic said.
“I’m glad that she’s so relaxed about it. An unbelievable performance for her and she’s just one of the whole crew that have done remarkably well in this tournament.”
Playing in the biggest match of her life, McDaniel shook off the pressure and rose to the occasion when her team needed it most.
“There was just a sense of we have to do this. There was no way we’re not going to win the game. It wasn’t pressure, just a sense of pride for the whole team,” McDaniel said.