It was the biggest year yet for women’s football in the Philippines.
PFF president John Gutierrez saw 2023 as the year for women’s football following several key moments highlighted by the Filipinas’ historic FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in New Zealand.
“We will forever remember 2023 as the year that Philippine Women’s football made their mark in history,” said Gutierrez.
“Women’s football is already on the ascendancy brought on by the success of the Women’s National Team and we hope that this continues not only on the youth national teams, but also in our local competitions with the success of the Filipinas as a source of inspiration.”
Against all odds, the Filipinas claimed their first ever win in the competition after a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Wellington, New Zealand last 25 July 2023.
Sarina Bolden’s 24th minute header off an assist from Sara Eggesvik set off wild celebrations in the Philippines where viewing parties were organized.
“I will remember this one forever, for the rest of my life,” said Bolden after the win over New Zealand. “I’m so happy to be part of it and make history with my teammates, staff, and everyone involved.”
The New Zealand win was one of the 11 victories recorded by the Filipinas in 2023. But it certainly leaves a mark in the country’s sporting history.
“I don’t know if there’s been a bigger win,” echoed former head coach Alen Stajcic on the World Cup win. “Obviously, (Manny) Pacquiao individually, but for team sport, it would have to be one of the best achievements in the history of the country.”
The Filipinas prepared for their maiden FIFA World Cup with matches against European opposition in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland in the Pinatar Cup in Spain. They also swept past the opposition in the first round of the Olympic Qualifiers, beating host Tajikistan, Hong Kong and Pakistan in Dushanbe.
Missing out on a medal in the Southeast Asian Games, the Filipinas still gave a good account of themselves with wins over Malaysia and eventual gold medalist Vietnam.
With the FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the Filipinas set up camp in Sydney, Australia before flying to their base camp in Auckland. Making it a more memorable buildup for the Filipinas were training matches against two-time defending champion United States and European powerhouse Sweden just a week before the World Cup.
In their first ever FWWC match in Dunedin, the Filipinas bowed to Switzerland, 0-2, despite an encouraging start in front of a crowd of over 13,000.
Taking positives out of their opening match performance, the Filipinas entered Wellington Regional Stadium armed with confidence even with the hosts also coming off their biggest World Cup win at the expense of Norway, 1-0.
Disciplined, organized and difficult to beat, the Filipinas soaked up the early pressure before winning a free kick near the half line. Angela Beard floated in a free kick deep into the box that was only cleared to Eggesvik’s path. Bolden rose the highest to meet Eggesvik’s cross and while the goalkeeper got a hand on the header, the Filipinas striker would not be denied.
There were more heroics near the end particularly that of Olivia McDaniel who came through with some big saves to keep the clean sheet and earn Player of the Match honors in front of a crowd of just over 32,000.
Just as the final whistle blew, players, coaches and support staff rushed to the field – all of them crying tears of joy as the Filipinas achieved the almost unthinkable – winning the country’s first World Cup match.
Following the World Cup, the Filipinas also debuted in the Asian Games where they advanced to the quarterfinals, thanks to wins over Hong Kong and Myanmar.
They lost to eventual winners Japan with a 1-8 scoreline in the last eight.
The team closed out the year just missing out on a spot in the final round of the Olympic Qualifiers. After opening the second round with a convincing 4-1 victory over Chinese Taipei, the Filipinas lost to Australia, dimming their qualification hopes. A 1-0 win over Iran was not enough to send the Filipinas to the next round.
Another highlight of the year was the Filipinas U17 campaign in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifying tournament.
After rolling past Guam and Lebanon in the first round, the Filipinas U17 overcame Bangladesh and host Vietnam to reach the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2024, which also serves as qualifiers for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
The Filipinas U17 coached by Sinisha Cohadzic are now preparing for their Asian Cup in Indonesia in April 2024.
The Filipinas’ historic campaign also capped off the year by garnering it’s highest ever FIFA Women’s Ranking at 38th, eclipsing its previous high of 44th last December.
“We would like to acknowledge the time, effort, sacrifices and resources put in by the management of the Filipinas led by sir Jeff Cheng,” said Gutierrez. “Of course, we are truly appreciative of the effort and sacrifice of our players who have inspired the nation with their performances on the world stage.”
