Pinatar Cup shows Filipinas work needed before World Cup

Philippine women’s football team ahead of its match against Iceland in the Pinatar Cup. –FILIPINAS FACEBOOK PAGE

The Philippine women’s football team hopes that the experience of facing highly-ranked nations in the Pinatar Cup that ended on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) can be carried over into the Fifa (International Federation of Association Football) Women’s World Cup, where competition would be doubly challenging.

Coach Alen Stajcic’s side wrapped up the campaign at Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain, with a 5-0 defeat at the hands of tournament winner Iceland after narrow losses against Wales and Scotland.

Conceding four goals in the second half, including three in the final 20 minutes, should serve as a reminder of the things that the Filipinas need to work on before facing co-host New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland for the global showpiece of women’s football in July.

But the first two games may serve also as a reminder that the lady booters are capable of pulling off surprises.

The Filipinas lost 1-0 to Wales in the opener before falling short against Scotland with a 2-1 decision that saw Meryll Serrano scoring what turned out to be the team’s only goal of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Filipinas and local football fans will have a chance to witness the Women’s World Cup trophy which will be brought to the country next week to kick off the tour of the prestigious award.

The Philippine Football Federation penciled a public event at Glorietta Makati on March 1 with an aim at drawing support for the World Cup.