Playing in their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ match, the Philippine Women’s National Team made a valiant stand against Switzerland in a 0-2 loss last Friday, 21 July 2023 at the Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Coach Alen Stajcic employed a competitive squad against the Swiss with Angela Beard making her long awaited Philippines debut.
The Philippines went a goal ahead in the 16th minute from Katrina Guillou’s strike, much to the joy of the Filipino crowd in the stadium as well as worldwide. However the after a video review, the forward was adjudged to be offside, and the goal was disallowed.
Switzerland got the breakthrough with minutes left in the first half. Jessika Cowart was the subject of another video review after she made contact with Coumba Sow in the box, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty in favor of the Swiss which was converted by Ramona Bachmann on the stroke of half-time.
Despite the heroics of goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, Switzerland scored a second goal in the 64th minute after Seraina Piubel pounced on the chance after McDaniel had two quick fire saves.
Having loss the first game, Filipinas head coach Alen Stajcic was proud of his side in their World Cup debut.
“To come to this level and play against players from Europe, against a team like that is miraculous,” said Stajcic after the match. “You saw true spirit, true heart, a team that never gave up, proud of their jersey, proud of the flag, proud of the people they represent, and that’s the most important thing, to come to the World Cup for the first time in the history in men’s or women’s football and to put on a performance like that and just showed courage and heart is the first and most important thing.”
The Philippines next face New Zealand on Tuesday, 25 July 2023 at the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.