With AFF tilt looming, Filipinas continue ironing out game wrinkles

Coach Alen Stajcic’s assessment of the Philippines’ gripping 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina late on Sunday (Philippine time) that capped a series of international friendlies in Brezice, Slovenia, was straight to the point.

“We toiled hard, pressed well as a group and executed some nice goals,” he said.

Katrina Guillou delivered the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory that featured the kind of fight the women’s national football team has shown since becoming the country’s first representative to the sport’s global showcase, the prestigious women’s World Cup.

Trailing Bosnia and Herzegovina, 0-1, the Filipinas leaned on the late goals of Quinley Quezada and Guillou, which both came in the span of five minutes, to pull off the come-from-behind victory.

Sara Eggesvik found Quezada, who converted the assist to equalize the match, 1-1, in the 85th minute. Before the final whistle, Guillou struck in the 90th minute as the national team escaped with its second straight win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Apart from those two victories, the Philippines fell to Ireland, 0-1, in its first friendly.

Stajcic said the team is progressing right on schedule and hopes to iron out more wrinkles in their game when they compete in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship that kicks off July 4 at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Filipinas battle powerhouse Australia in their first match right on opening day.

“We still require improvements in buildup play and possession but we are working very hard as we progress on the road to the World Cup,” said Stajcic.

The Philippines was drawn in Group A with Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore for the AFF tournament. INQ