For co-captain Patrice Impelido and goalkeeper Inna Palacios, the match between the Philippines and Thailand on Thursday 12 April 2018 (Friday 13 April 2018 in Manila) will be a fight until the final whistle.
Following the loss of the Philippines Women’s National Team against China last Monday, the team faces a must-win scenario against Thailand, which have beaten host Jordan, 6-1, to reach the knockout stages and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Midfielder Impelido, who has been with the team since 2005, acknowledged Thailand’s continued development, but has vouched for the team to do well against their Southeast Asian neighbors.
“We all have one goal in mind and that’s qualifying for the Women’s World Cup,” stressed Impelido “We have to beat Thailand to reach our dream. We all know how bad we want this win.”
Goalkeeper Palacios bared that they are fed up of always being on the losing end against Thailand, and she hopes the team finally deliver the win that can send them to France next year.
“Thailand are a good team and every time we face them, we get something out of it,” shared Palacios. “The team we have right now has a pretty good chance, but it’s a must win game and it’s going to be a really hard game because both of us want to secure that Women’s World Cup spot.”
Despite embracing new roles within the team, Palacios and Impelido offered a rallying cry to their teammates.
“I just want to share the experience with my teammates,” bared Impelido. It’s hard not playing but I am there cheering from the sidelines and staying positive.
“You always want to bounce back even stronger,” echoed Palacios. “Once we get there, focus, keep our heads in the game, concentrate so it will come out in the game.”
Photo from Mia Montayre