Sara Eggesvik interacts with a fan during the Filipinas homecoming, on Thursday, Aug 3, 2023, at Adidas Brand Center in Makati City. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.nbet
MANILA, Philippines — The Filipinas may not have advanced to the Round of 16 of the Fifa Women’s World Cup but they were thrilled to win the hearts of their fellow countrymen who supported them during their historic campaign.
After the Philippine women’s football’s team first-ever World Cup appearance where Filipino fans cheered for them whether on television or online platforms. Filipino fans in New Zealand even turned matches into a virtual home game with their attendance.
Quinley Quezada, who is the most experienced player on the Filipinas’ roster, relished the growth of the program’s support.
“I think the support has been incredible like there are Filipinos coming over. In every tournament we had there’s always been Filipinos in the countries [where we play] so it’s really great to see,” said Quezada.
The members of the Filipinas on Thursday received a warm welcome from the Filipino fans, who cheered and applauded them and lined up for the meet-and-greet at Adidas Brand Center-Glorietta in Makati.
“I think it’s been a really warm welcome as soon as we’ve stepped off the plane,” said Ryley Bugay. “There were people greeting us and everywhere we’ve gone we’ve just seen massive support so it’s a really warm welcome after being away for a little bit.”
Olivia McDaniel and Jessika Cowart do an autograph signing during the Filipinas homecoming, on Thursday, Aug 3, 2023, at Adidas Brand Center in Makati City. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Sara Eggesvik, one of the crowd darlings from the national team, was also grateful for the fans who attended watch parties all over the country during their Women’s World Cup games.
“It was strange but I’m glad for the support we get and the fans are very supportive. [I’m] just grateful,” she said.
Quezada, Bugay, Eggesvik, Olivia and Chandler McDaniel, Katrina Guillou, Alicia Barker, Jessika Cowart, Meryll Serrano, Sofia Harrison, Kaiya Jota, and Isabella Pasion were among the national team members who arrived on Wednesday and received a warm welcome from their fans at the airport.
The squad took time to take pictures and autographs with their fans, giving back to their solid support.
WATCH: Filipino fans serenade the Filipinas. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/6gLX4nHtJw
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 3, 2023
The Filipinas were thrilled to realize their World Cup dream, which they will never forget for the rest of their lives.
“I think I could speak for the whole team when playing in the World Cup is something you think about when you were a kid so to be able to actually achieve and play in the world stage is unbelievable,” said Chandler McDaniel. “I don’t think there’s truly words that can describe that feeling exactly but all I know is all of us want to do it again so we’ll make sure to work hard to make it to the next one.”
Barker agreed with her teammate as their once-in-a-lifetime experience will continue to inspire them to reach greater heights for the Philippine women’s football program.
“To echo that, this is obviously the biggest competition. Being able to play in it was a dream come true. And to see all the support that we got in the tournament, and during our journey to the World Cup, we’re really touched and it’s something I can’t really put into words but the same,” she said.
