Quinley Quezada says defense key for Filipinas

The Philippine national women’s football team. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Quinley Quezada feels there’s one aspect that the Philippine women’s football team has almost perfected in order to make a good impression in the Fifa  Women’s World Cup.

“Our defense is really, really strong,” said Quezada, before adding that putting up a strong showing to prevent opponents from creating chances will have to be complemented by having the same caliber on the other side of the pitch.

“Moving forward, we need to work on how we possess the ball,” the attacking midfielder continued during a short media availability session arranged by the team. “Like once we win it, how we can get forward and how we can get scoring opportunities?”

The Filipinas may rely heavily on defense in order to get satisfying results against Switzerland, cohost New Zealand and Norway in Group A.

Coach Alen Stajcic selected eight defenders for Fifa’s premier event, namely cocaptain Hali Long, Alicia Barker, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Dominique Randle and Angela Beard.

The appearance of Beard, whose mother hails from Cebu and decided to switch nationalities from Australia to the Philippines, is expected to help beef up the Filipinas at the back.

“I think from the start, we [have been] really organized and disciplined on defense. We’re very, very organized,” said Quezada. “And it’s [being done] collectively in our back four, midfield and starting with our forwards. So I would just say that we are very organized.

“And with Ange (Beard) coming in, she’s really helped with communication, with aggressiveness. And so as a team, we’re very grateful to have her finally joining the team,” she added.

Offense could be a challenge for the Filipinas, which Quezada along with main striker Sarina Bolden, Katrina Guillou, Tahnai Annis and Sara Eggesvik will try to meet in New Zealand.

“I’m hoping that I can bring an attacking aspect to our team. Obviously, I want to score and create chances,” said Quezada, currently the country’s all-time leading women’s goalscorer with 22.

“But I feel like our attacking is as important as our defense. Everything is important,” she added.