The Philippines’ Katrina Guillou during a presser ahead of their match against New Zealand on Tuesday. Photo from PFF/WNFT
WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Katrina Guillou echoed the belief that the Philippines can be dangerous when the opportunity presents itself during the course of the team’s historic campaign in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Guillou said the goal that was later disallowed because of an offside in their loss to Switzerland was one of many reasons why the Filipinas can be capable of pulling off surprises against fancied foes, including co-host New Zealand which they’ll face Tuesday at Wellington Regional Stadium here.
“I think we showed in spurts throughout the game, not just with the offside goal that we are a threat,” Guillou said during the pre-match press conference. “And in the opposition’s box, we were able to move and pick them apart.
“That’s just something we need to take and the confidence from that, knowing that we can compete against the teams that are here,” added the 29-year-old, who plays the attacking role either at midfield or upfront.
The Filipinas are aiming to capitalize on being World Cup debutants by producing historic moments, like the elusive first points and the first goal which Guillou almost had.
Guillou was clearly already ahead of her defender when Hali Long made a long ball that set up the opener that wasn’t.
Offside rules bar players from being closer to the goal than their opponents before a pass is made.
“Her moment of delight is going to turn into a moment of despair,” said commentator John Roder on the world feed of the match.
Teammate Sarina Bolden said the missed goal has only made the team hungrier in chasing the back of the net, given the temporary moment they felt at that time.