Preparing for World Cup, Filipinas test themselves in front of home fans

Filipinas celebrate during a victory over Myanmar in women’s football at the 31st Southeast Asian Games. PWNT/ Raymond Braganza

The members of the national women’s football team are excited to show what they can do in front of a hometown crowd. The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has made it possible for local fans to witness a team headed for its sport’s biggest showcase in action.

And football officials are egging on supporters to take advantage of this blue-moon opportunity.

“This might be one of the rare occasions that we will get to see our Filipinas perform in front of a hometown crowd. Let us enjoy them while we can,” said national team manager Jeff Cheng, using the new nickname of a squad that used to go by the “Malditas” moniker.

“Let us all support the Filipinas by coming over to watch and inspire them play at the Rizal Stadium in the next few days,” PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta added.

The Filipinas kick off their bid in the 12th Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship on Monday when they face heavyweight Australia at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, one of the arenas that will host the prestigious tournament.

And as much as the Philippines will be a heavy underdog in that match, there was a palpable sense of excitement among team members, who will see action on local soil for the first time since booking a slot to the prestigious World Cup scheduled next year.

‘Really honored’

“I know I can speak for all of the girls of how exciting it is to be playing in the Philippines,” Filipinas skipper Tahnai Annis said in a recent press conference. “This will be my first time playing in the Philippines and we have family, extended family over here, immediate family and I think it would mean so much more to get to play in front of all our friends, family and supporters.”

“Since we’ve been playing all over now and haven’t really got to have that home field advantage, home field crowd and I think everyone is just really excited for that and I think all of the support we will have will really help us through this long tournament,” she added. “Really honored to play in the Philippines.”

The Filipino women were slotted in Group A along with Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Comprising Group B are defending champion Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor Leste.

The women’s team is coming off a series of friendly matches in Europe and arrived last Tuesday eager to continue building on their game as they prepare for the World Cup that will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

“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 Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic.