LIVE UPDATES: Philippines at the Women’s World Cup 2023

By: 1 year ago

UPDATES: PHILIPPINES VS NORWAY WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Filipinas eye takedown of fancied Norwegians for place in KO stage

Team Philippines members limber up for practice ahead of their gigantic clash with world power Norway for a seat in the round-of-16. —PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHILIPPINENATIONAL WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM

Team Philippines members limber up for practice ahead of their gigantic clash with world power Norway for a seat in the round-of-16. (Photos courtesy of the Philippine National Women’s Football Team)

The position coach Alen Stajcic and the Philippines are at in this upset-filled Fifa (International Association Football Federation) Women’s World Cup is something they are not only appreciating but one they would not like to waste.

“I’m really proud of the whole group that we’ve got at this point in the tournament,” Stajcic said as the Filipinas hope to defy the odds in their crunch Group A encounter with a Norway side that will miss one of its best players but is nonetheless determined to produce a result amid a turmoil-filled campaign. FULL STORY

Higher-ranked foes don’t awe courageous Filipinas anymore

Jessika Cowart: We know our style of play … we’re going to stick to our guns. —PHILIPPINE NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM PHOTO

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—The experience of playing high-level matches before and during the course of what has been a dream Fifa (International Association Football Federation) Women’s World Cup campaign has made the Filipinas get used to what others see as an overwhelming occasion.

“Whether it’s against Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway star) or someone from Westside California, I’m excited to play football,” Jessika Cowart said as the Filipinas face Norway on Sunday at Eden Park here with a chance to go to a place no expert had penciled them capable of achieving. FULL STORY

Norway coach praises her former player Meryll Serrano ahead of Philippines match

Norway’s head coach Hege Riise attends a press conference at Eden Park in Auckland on July 29, 2023, on the eve of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup football match against Philippines. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Norway coach Hege Riise on Saturday recalled having a current member of the Filipinas as one of her former players.

Riise was talking about midfielder Meryll Serrano, who played for her during the latter’s spell at LSK Kvinner of Norway’s top-tier league Toppserien in 2019. FULL STORY

Alen Stajcic, Filipinas hyperfocused on winning vs Norway in Women’s World Cup

Philippines’ head coach Alen Stajcic speaks during a press conference at the Eden Park in Auckland on July 29, 2023, ahead of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup football match against Norway. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Coach Alen Stajcic and the Philippines on winning and winning alone as they shoot for a round-of-16 berth in the Fifa Women’s World Cup against fancied but embattled Norway on Sunday.

The Filipinas need a win over the winners of the 1995 edition at Eden Park here to progress further in the tournament, a thought that was seen as unreachable before the World Cup started. FULL STORY

Filipinas to face a shorthanded Norway side in key Women’s World Cup match

Norway’s forward #14 Ada Hegerberg heads the ball during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group A football match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park in Auckland on July 20, 2023. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—The Philippines will have one less player to worry about after Norway ruled out striker Ada Hegerberg for Sunday’s massive Group A match in the Fifa Women’s World Cup at Eden Park here.

Coach Hege Riise confirmed that the former Ballon d’Or winner will not be fit enough for the encounter after suffering an injury before Norway settled for a goalless draw against Switzerland last Tuesday in Hamilton. FULL STORY

Alen Stajcic welcomes Filipinos’ heightened interest in football at Women’s World Cup

Spectators react as the Philippines teams celebrate following the Women’s World Cup Group A football match between New Zealand and the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Cornaga)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—There’ll be plenty of shoppers and passers-by back home who’ll probably get an introduction and interest in how football is played once a big screen showing the Filipinas go for a historic round-of-16 berth in the Fifa Women’s World Cup against Norway on Sunday here.

And that is something coach Alen Stajcic and the rest of the team see as a welcome development for football to possibly grow in the Philippines.

“Welcome to the football party, welcome to the football family,” Stajcic said when asked about the increased number of viewing parties that will be set up at different malls, bars or restaurants for the game set at 3 p.m. Philippine time. FULL STORY

Women’s World Cup: Norway sans injured Hegerberg in must-win clash with Philippines

Norway’s forward Ada Hegerberg is seen during the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 qualification football match Norway v Poland in Oslo, on April 12, 2022. (AFP)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Norway will be without star striker Ada Hegerberg for their must-win Women’s World Cup clash with the Philippines on Sunday because of injury, coach Hege Riise said.

The former Ballon d’Or winner has not recovered from the groin injury that forced her to pull out of Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Switzerland just before kick-off.

“She is not ready for this game,” Riise told reporters at Eden Park on Saturday. FULL STORY

Alen Stajcic confirms Philippines’ pre-Women’s World Cup friendly vs US

Philippines coach Alen Stajcic during the pre-match press conference at the Fifa Women’s World Cup. Photo from PFF/PWNT

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Coach Alen Stajcic acknowledged on Saturday that the Philippines took on the United States in an undisclosed friendly before the Fifa Women’s World Cup began.

Stajcic somehow confirmed that the exhibition took place in passing during Saturday’s pre-match press conference at Eden Park where he was asked about having Sara Eggesvik and Meryll Soriano, two players with Norwegian links. FULL STORY

Philippines vows to go all out in crucial match vs Norway in Women’s World Cup

Jessika Cowart, right, with coach Alen Stajcic during the pre-match presser at the Fifa Women’s World Cup. Photo from PFF/PWNT

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Jessika Cowart and the Philippines vowed to give everything they could to ensure that they get a favorable result against Norway in order to secure a dream round-of-16 berth in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

The Filipinas need a win over the Norwegians on Sunday at Eden Park here or settle for a draw while also seeing co-host New Zealand lose to Switzerland to confirm their place in the knockout stage of women’s football’s ultimate stage. FULL STORY

Stajcic making sure his Filipinas remain grounded, focused on next task

Another angle of the magical moment that Sarina Bolden (in white) provided when the Filipinas entered the world’s consciousness after a 1-0 upset of New Zealand on Tuesday. —PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE NATIONALWOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM

As flattering as the recognition and attention garnered by the Filipinas in defeating the cohost for a landmark first win in the Fifa (International Association Football Federation) Women’s World Cup is, coach Alen Stajcic would rather want his players to stay grounded.

“At this point in time, we [will] reflect on what the world thinks of us later on,” Stajcic said Friday before Manila-based reporters who were allowed to attend the team’s training session at Olympic Park here. FULL STORY

Angela Beard is a silent worker doing the intangibles for Team PH

Angie Beard: The Matildas’ loss is the Filipinas’ gain. —PHILIPPINE NATIONALWOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—While the attention has mostly been on the heroics of striker Sarina Bolden and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel in giving the Philippines a historic first win in the Fifa  Women’s World Cup, an unheralded defender did a lot of the silent work and is ready to do it again.

That momentous 1-0 victory over New Zealand in group play last Tuesday in Wellington was also aided by stellar work on the back, particularly of Angie Beard, who in her second game for the Philippines was vital in making sure that the Filipinas fended off the Football Ferns in the stretch. FULL STORY

Alen Stajcic, Philippines brace for ‘wounded animal’ Norway in Women’s World Cup

Philippines’ head coach Alen Stajcic talks with Philippines’ Katrina Guillou during the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between the Philippines and Switzerland in Dunedin, New Zealand, Friday, July 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Coach Alen Stajcic warned that Norway could still show its true billing despite a conflict-marred campaign when the Philippines face the Scandinavian nation on Sunday for a spot in the round-of-16 of the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Stajcic said the Filipinas remain at a disadvantage going into the crucial Group A match at Eden Park here, even if Norway has produced just one point in two matches.

“I think every team has their issues and because they’re maybe publicized and we knew that stuff is a little bit exaggerated,” Stajcic said after Friday’s training at Olympic Park. FULL STORY

Philippines’ Women’s World Cup merchandise becomes a hot commodity

Jay and Ada Bautista pose with their kids while wearing Women’s World Cup-related merchandise at the Fifa Fan Festival in Auckland, New Zealand. Philippine-related items have sold immensely, much to the surprise of store employees. –JONAS TERRADO

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Philippine-related merchandise has been selling like hotcakes amid the ecstasy of the Filipinas’ maiden appearance in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Filipinos who are based here and those who flew in to watch women’s football’s ultimate stage have found it challenging to score items, namely shirts, scarves, bonnets, key chains and ref magnets either in this city’s Fifa Fan Festival or at venues where the games are taking place. FULL STORY

Viewing parties nationwide set up for Filipinas’ crucial match vs Norway

People attend a watch party at a mall in Quezon City, Metro Manila on July 25, 2023 for the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group A football match between the Philippines and New Zealand in Wellington. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—More viewing parties have been placed back home when the Philippines goes for a shock Fifa Women’s World Cup round-of-16 berth against Norway on Sunday here.

A total of 48 SM malls from different parts of the country will set up a large screen for the crunch 3 p.m. Philippine time match where the Filipinas aim to score an upset over the troubled Norwegian side. FULL STORY

Philippines holds closed-door training ahead of Norway Women’s World Cup match

FILE–FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Philippines training – Caledonian Ground, Dunedin, New Zealand – July 20, 2023 Philippines players during training REUTERS/Molly Darlington

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—The Filipinas held a closed-door training session Thursday to begin preparations for the big Group A match against Norway in the Fifa Women’s World Cup this weekend here.

Coach Alen Stajcic and his players spent the day at Olympic Park a day after the Filipinas returned from their historic 1-0 win over co-host New Zealand in Wellington. FULL STORY

Filipinas battle heavily favored Norwegians for slot in KO stages

Philippines players celebrate following the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between New Zealand and the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/John Cowpland)

Olivia McDaniel and the Philippines still consider Norway as having the advantage ahead of their crunch Group A tussle, this despite cracks showing within the camp of the former winner of the Fifa  Women’s World Cup.

“It will be a tough game and they are a tough team,” McDaniel said as the Filipinas began preparations in this city for a monumental chance at securing a round-of-16 spot in the ultimate showcase of women’s football. FULL STORY

Sara Eggesvik has one thing in mind: Beat Norway

230725 Sara Eggesvik of Philippines during the FIFA Women’s World Cup match between New Zealand and Philippines on July 25, 2023 in Wellington. Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Sara Eggesvik let her emotions come out before a throng of reporters from different continents after playing a very critical role in the Philippines’ breakthrough win over New Zealand.

“So many emotions are going through my head,” a tearful Eggesvik said following the landmark match where she set up the eventual game-winning header of striker Sarina Bolden in Wellington. FULL STORY

Deeper Women’s World Cup run would ‘mean a lot’ for PH football growth–Sara Eggesvik

Philippines’ Sara Eggesvik gestures during the Women’s World Cup Group A match between New Zealand and the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/John Cowpland)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Sara Eggesvik sees the possibility of sending the Philippines to the knockout stage of the Fifa Women’s World Cup as a chance to further the growth of the beautiful game back home.

“That would mean a lot from being like a small football country and this can mean growth,” Eggesvik said as the Filipinas prepare for their crunch Group A match against Norway on Sunday at Eden Park in this city. FULL STORY

Olivia McDaniel credits hardworking teammates, boisterous 12th man for brilliant rescue job

FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group A – New Zealand v Philippines – Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand – July 25, 2023 Philippines’ Olivia McDaniel celebrates after the match REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Olivia McDaniel isn’t new to saving the day for the Philippines.

Her performance that secured the Philippines’ historic first win in the FifaWomen’s World Cup, however, dwarfs her previous rescue act, the one that helped the team seal a spot in the grandest stage of women’s football.

“I think this means just a bit more,” McDaniel said on Tuesday after her work between the sticks in the tense moments of a 1-0 win over tournament cohost New Zealand here at Wellington Regional Stadium prompted Fifa to award her the Player of the Match trophy. FULL STORY

For emboldened Filipinas, anything is possible at the Women’s World Cup

Wellington, New Zealand, 25 July 2023: Philippines team enjoys the win with some post match photos. New Zealand vs Philippines. Fifa World Cup. Group A. Wellington. New Zealand. (Joe Serci / SPP)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Sarina Bolden and the Philippines have given themselves more belief that they can do magical things in a Fifa (International Association Football Federation) Women’s World Cup that has produced many surprises.

And that’s even if they need an even more stunning victory on Sunday to secure their spot in the knockout stages.

To extend the dream ride as debutants in women’s football’s biggest stage, the Filipinas will need to beat former champion Norway, the consensus favorites to top Group A which is groping for form and facing the prospect of an early exit. FULL STORY

Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel hopes Filipinas can continue historic run

Philippines’ goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel reacts following the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between New Zealand and the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/John Cowpland)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Olivia McDaniel is hoping that the Philippines can continue its string of historic achievements even after producing the country’s first-ever win in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

The Filipinas goalkeeper supported Sarina Bolden’s first-half goal by making key stops in the latter moments that sealed a historic result before 32,000 fans at this city’s Wellington Regional Stadium. FULL STORY

Fans give Philippines a home game atmosphere in New Zealand against co-hosts

Spectators react as the Philippines teams celebrate following the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between New Zealand and the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Cornaga)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—The Philippine women’s football team felt like it played a virtual home game at the Fifa Women’s World Cup as a heavy presence of its supporters came out to witness the historic 1-0 win over co-host New Zealand here.

The earlier notion of the Filipinas having to deal with a partisan quickly died down as chants of “Go Pilipinas!” and “Isa pa!” reverberate Wellington Regional Stadium, especially after Sarina Bolden scored the only goal of the match in the 24th minute. FULL STORY

Philippines ready for ‘monumental’ last-16 bid at Women’s World Cup

Philippines’ defender #05 Hali Long (C) celebrates with Philippines’ defender #13 Angela Beard (L) and Philippines’ defender #19 Dominique Randle (R) after winning against New Zealand in their Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP)

Philippines head coach Alen Stajcic said the Women’s World Cup debutants faced a “monumental” task to beat Norway and squeeze into the tournament’s knock-out stages.

Ranked 46th in the world, the Philippines blew Group A wide open with a shock 1-0 win over co-hosts New Zealand on Tuesday.

Sarina Bolden scored the winning header in Wellington to claim her country’s first goal at a Women’s World Cup — which also sealed the Philippines’ maiden victory at either a men’s or women’s finals. FULL STORY

Philippines all-business after upset win over New Zealand in Women’s World Cup, says coach

Spectators react as the Philippines teams celebrate following the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between New Zealand and the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Cornaga)

WELLINGTON–The Philippines gatecrashed New Zealand’s party on Tuesday with a stunning 1-0 upset of the Women’s World Cup co-hosts but coach Alen Stajcic said the celebrations will have to be cut short as they have to prepare for their final group game against Norway.

The World Cup debutants lost their opener against Switzerland and faced long odds against a New Zealand side ranked 20 rungs above them, playing in front of a packed house of loyal home fans in Wellington. FULL STORY

Fans celebrate historic Philippines’ Women’s World Cup win: ‘Dream come true’

People react at a live screening of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup football match between Philippines and New Zealand in Wellington on July 25, 2023, at a mall in Quezon City, Metro Manila. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)

Hundreds of Philippine football fans celebrated wildly and some cried after the country’s historic first Women’s World Cup win on Tuesday.

The unfancied Filipinas stunned co-host New Zealand 1-0 in Wellington, triggering celebrations more than 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) away.

Elated supporters watching the match live on a big screen in the UP Town Center shopping mall in the capital Manila erupted in screams and song. Some cried tears of joy. FULL STORY

Philippines beats New Zealand in historic Women’s World Cup first win

Philippines’ Sarina Bolden, center, is congratulated by teammates after scoring her team’s first goal during the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between New Zealand and the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Cornaga)

WELLINGTON–The Philippines claimed a historic first World Cup win on Tuesday as it stunned co-host New Zealand 1-0 thanks to a first-half Sarina Bolden header.

New Zealand created a string of second-half chances and had a goal disallowed but the Philippines held on for a famous win in front of 32,357 in Wellington, New Zealand. FULL STORY

FULL TIME: Philippines vs New Zealand

Sarina Bolden delivers Philippines’ first ever goal in Women’s World Cup

Sarina Bolden scored the Philippines’ first goal in the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023. –FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Sarina Bolden scored the Philippines’ first-ever goal in the Fifa Women’s World Cup which came halfway in the first half of the match against New Zealand here.

The landmark moment happened in the 24th minute when Sara Eggesvik sent a pass towards a rushing Bolden, who headed the ball initially deflected by goalkeeper Victoria Esson before hitting the net, sparking incredible scenes at Wellington Regional Stadium. FULL STORY

HALFTIME: Philippines vs New Zealand

HALFTIME: Philippines vs New Zealand.

Women’s World Cup: Philippines embracing challenge against New Zealand

Philippines’ coach Alen Stajcic during a pre-match presser at the Women’s World Cup.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Coach Alen Stajcic said the Philippines is ready to relish the environment of playing before a partisan crowd as they try to get a stunning result over a rejuvenated co-host New Zealand in Tuesday’s Fifa Women’s World Cup match here.

The experience of having faced the Football Ferns in a friendly last year may give the Filipinas a strong chance to produce a landmark point, or better yet, a win at Wellington Regional Stadium. FULL STORY

Philippines vows to ‘crash the party’ against New Zealand at Women’s World Cup

FILE – Filipinas acknowledge their supporters after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland during the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between the Philippines and Switzerland in Dunedin, New Zealand, Friday, July 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Philippines coach Alen Stajcic is backing his Women’s World Cup debutants to “crash the party” when they play co-hosts New Zealand on Tuesday.

New Zealand is on a high after beating Norway 1-0 in the tournament opener to end a 15-game winless streak at Women’s World Cups dating back to 1991.

The Philippines lost 2-0 to Switzerland in its first game at the finals in New Zealand and Australia but proved to be no pushovers. FULL STORY

Wherever born, Filipinas team members ‘all play for the [PH] flag’ – Stajcic

Hali Long (front) is one of the Filipinas born and raised abroad. Long is a defender born and raised in Cape Girardeau in the US but plays her heart out whenever she puts on the Philippine Team jersey. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Philippine team playing in the Fifa (International Association Football Federation) Women’s World Cup for the first time is, hands-down, the biggest two weeks of the Filipinas’ lives.

But as finally revealed Saturday, they got plenty more than that prior to their landmark debut against Switzerland when they faced the defending two-time champion United States in a closed-door friendly in Auckland. FULL STORY

Filipinas ‘hungrier’ to get real taste of first goal in Women’s World Cup

Switzerland’s midfielder #13 Lia Walti (R) and Philippines’ forward #07 Sarina Bolden vie for the ball during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group A football match between the Philippines and Switzerland at Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin on July 21, 2023. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama / AFP)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Sarina Bolden and the Filipinas are hungrier as ever to make landmark feats in the next two games of the Fifa Women’s World Cup after the moments, or near-moments they experienced in its debut match against Switzerland.

“That little taste of what it might feel like when we do score our first goal make it even more hungrier [for us] to get it,” Bolden said following Sunday’s training session at Olympic Park here, referring to the offside call that negated a spectacular goal by fellow striker Katrina Guillou in the first 15 minutes of the maiden appearance held in Dunedin. FULL STORY

Philippines eager to get different outcome vs New Zealand in Women’s World Cup

Philippines’ coach Alen Stajcic is seen on the touchline during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group A football match between the Philippines and Switzerland at Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin on July 21, 2023. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama / AFP)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Coach Alen Stajcic believes it will be a whole different game when the Philippines face co-host New Zealand in a key Fifa Women’s World Cup match for both teams after facing off in a friendly 10 months earlier.

The contest set Tuesday in Wellington is seen as the Filipinas’ best chance of getting a result in their debut appearance in women’s football’s biggest stage, given the way they performed despite a 2-1 defeat to the Football Ferns last September in California. FULL STORY

Olivia McDaniel sets focus on Filipinas’ next matches at Women’s World Cup after emotional first game

The Philippines’ Olivia McDaniel during a match against Switzerland at the Fifa Women’s World Cup. Photo from Philippine Women’s National Football Team

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Olivia McDaniel urged herself and the Philippine women’s football team to no longer get caught up too much on the emotions of finally having to play their first Fifa Women’s World Cup match.

“The first game was really exciting, a lot of emotion going on, but we have to move on to the next one,” McDaniel said after the Filipinas’ training session Sunday at Olympic Park here. FULL STORY

Filipinas fall to Switzerland in their Fifa Women’s World Cup debut

FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group A – Philippines v Switzerland – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand – July 21, 2023 Switzerland’s Seraina Piubel celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Molly Darlington

DUNEDIN, New Zealand–Switzerland made a winning start to its Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over debutant Philippines at Dunedin Stadium on Friday, thanks to Ramona Bachmann’s first-half penalty and a close-range effort from Seraina Piubel.

Inka Grings’ side was awarded a penalty by VAR after midfielder Coumba Sow was caught by a stray boot from Jessika Cowart in the box late in the first half, with forward Bachmann coolly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel. FULL STORY

FULLTIME: Philippines vs Switzerland

Fifa Women’s World Cup: Philippines vs Switzerland FULL TIME scores.

Filipinas at the Fifa Women’s World Cup: How they got there and what awaits them

uly 20, 2023 Philippines players during training ahead of their first game in the Fifa Women’s World Cup in Dunedin, New Zealand. REUTERS/Molly Darlington

The day 18 months in the making has finally come with the Philippine women’s football team hoping to make its mark in the Fifa Women’s World Cup not just as mere participants, but as a squad that could legitimately make a strong impression against some of women’s football’s best nations.

The results of the team will only be secondary for hardcore fans, who have been eager to see the Filipinas step onto the pitch for the expanded quadrennial meet that will make a lot of firsts.

But the team will still try to make an impression as they hope to use the country’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage to inspire young dreamers. FULL STORY

Storylines to watch as Filipinas embark on historic Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign

Filipinas begin their Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign in New Zealand. –MARLO CUETO

Plenty of storylines could come out during the course of the Philippine women’s football team’s maiden foray in the Fifa Women’s World Cup, namely its performance, possible breakthrough and questions once the campaign ends.

With their historic stint set to start Friday, the Inquirer came out with stories that could factor out during the course of the Filipinas’ stay in New Zealand—or if something magical happens—and Australia. FULL STORY

A breakdown of Filipinas’ opponents in the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 group stage

The Philippine national women’s football team. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

There’s no question that the Philippine women’s football team’s debut appearance in the Fifa Women’s World Cup won’t be a stroll in the park.

With the quality of opponents at hand, the Filipinas are surely trying to map out something to produce unlikely results against two tough European sides and the tournament co-host they already have an idea of how to approach.

Here’s some information about the teams coach Alen Stajcic and his squad will face in Group A of the biggest showpiece for women’s football. FULL STORY

Filipinas’ schedule at the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 Group Stage

Philippine women’s football team schedule in the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 group stages.

Filipinas ‘safe’ after deadly shooting near their hotel in New Zealand ahead of Fifa World Cup

Members of the Philippines Women’s World Cup team walk to their team bus following a shooting near their hotel in the central business district in Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, July 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The Philippine women’s football team said all of its members are safe following a shooting incident that rocked at the vicinity of the delegation’s hotel in Auckland, New Zealand on Thursday.

The team said on social media that everyone—players, coaches, officials and staff—are all accounted for after a gunman and two others died during the incident at a construction site located in Auckland’s central business district.

“All members of the Philippine Women’s National Team delegation at the FIFA Women’s World Cup are safe,” the team said. FULL STORY

Top Filipinas’ players to watch at Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023

Key figures in the Filipinas’ Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign. —MARLO CUETO

For the Philippine women’s football team to put up at least a commendable effort against favored opponents, it will need some of the familiar names to deliver the biggest performance of their football lives in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Most of the names that will be mentioned in this piece are the prominent ones who were key before and after the Filipinas sealed a historic qualification to women’s football’s biggest showcase, their form to determine if they can get a satisfying result against Switzerland, co-host New Zealand and Norway in Group A.  FULL STORY

Filipinas turn nostalgic, show fun side in Fifa Women’s World Cup photoshoot

Photo from Philippine national women’s football team Twitter

Members of the Philippine women’s football team immediately took to social media showcasing themselves in full battle gear for its maiden campaign in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

The Filipinas took part in a photoshoot Monday in New Zealand where they not only posed for posterities that will be used for various reasons during the course of the tournament but also use the chance to show their wacky side.

Among the interesting posts was made by Carleigh Frilles, who uploaded her pre-tournament photo as well as an old picture of herself while wearing what appeared to be a replica version of the Philippine Azkals kit. FULL STORY

Anticipation, pressure build for Filipinas as Fifa Women’s World Cup nears

Filipinas’ Hali Long and Inna Palacios on the cover of Preen.ph for July. –PHOTO JP Talapian via Preen.ph

With just a few days away from the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, the Filipinas’ excitement is at an all-time high as they await their turn in history.

The excitement, however, did not just come overnight but has actually stuck with the Philippine women’s football team since that fateful night in January last year.

“We’re super excited. Ever since we got qualified for the world cup we’ve been thinking about the preparation and what we’re up against in joining such a prestigious tournament,” goalkeeper Inna Palacios told Inquirer Sports. FULL STORY

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