Filipinas set for more friendlies vs higher-ranked teams ahead of World Cup draw
Filipinas after upsetting Vietnam in the AFF Women’s Championship 2022. -PFF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—After making more history, the Philippine women’s football team has no plans of letting up as it gears toward next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Philippine Football Federation(PFF) president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the Filipinas are in for more international friendlies against higher-ranked opponents ahead of the World Cup draw in October.
“The draw will be in October that is why we are trying to schedule more games for the Filipinas against opponents that are higher than us in the rankings so they, hopefully, will also improve their ratings,” said Araneta during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum Tuesday.
The Filipinas are currently ranked 53rd but their standing is expected to soar following their historic triumph in the AFF Women’s Championship.
In the regional championship, the Philippines toppled better-rated teams in Australia, Thailand and Vietnam on their way to capturing the country’s first major football title.
“There has been an invitation from World Cup qualifier Costa Rica to play in Costa Rica and another from New Zealand. Those friendlies are now on the pipeline” said Araneta.
New Zealand and Costa Rica are at number 22 and 37 respectively, in the Fifa rankings.
