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.
“We’re gonna go out and fight like we have the past few games, like we have the past 18 months. And we’re gonna go out there with pride and puso and we’re gonna play as hard as we can,” Cowart said during the pre-match press conference.
Cowart, who was part of a defensive unit that enabled the Filipinas to seal the landmark 1-0 result over New Zealand in Wellington, said they’ll treat the crunch meeting like any other game, even against a Norway side which is still favored to get a result.
Philippines coach Alen Stajcic, left, and defender Jessika Cowart during the pre-match presser at the Fifa Women’s World Cup. Photo from PFF/PWNT
Norway, however, has struggled despite coming in as favorites to top the group, posting just one point out of two games while dealing with off-field issues such as an injury to Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen’s grievance over her role.
Hegerberg’s status has not been confirmed by the team as of posting time while Graham Hansen has apologized for her comments expressed in the media as Norway hopes to completely address its concerns before stepping in to face the Filipinas.
Cowart, however, expressed readiness to try and prevent whoever is up front for the Norwegian side.
“I’m excited anytime I get to play football,” she said. “Whether it’s against Caroline Graham Hansen or someone from Westside California, I’m excited to play football.
“It makes no difference, I’m gonna go out and play against whoever comes on the field,” added Cowart.