World Cup-bound Filipinas set for two friendlies vs Costa Rica

Philippine women’s football team. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine women’s football team confirmed its pair of friendly matches against Costa Rica next month as part of preparations for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Games are set on October 7 and 11 in Costa Rica where the Filipinas will use in getting used to the tough competition that awaits them in the global football’s centerpiece women’s tournament.

Costa Rica, ranked 37th in the world, is among the teams that qualified for the World Cup by virtue of its semifinal finish in the Concacaf Championship.

“What’s important for us is to learn and build on the experiences which will be a huge factor in our World Cup campaign next year,” said coach Alen Stajcic when the fixtures were announced early Tuesday on social media.

Stajcic and the team have put premium on facing top-ranked sides in order to get an idea on how the World Cup competition is going to be.

The Filipinas recently faced World Cup co-host New Zealand and lost 2-1 in Fullerton, California despite leading at halftime.

Also being eyed are future friendlies with Jamaica and Uzbekistan.