“That draw was earned with pure heart. For young Natalie Collins to deliver that late equalizer against a side like Uzbekistan tells you everything about where Philippine football is headed. I couldn’t be prouder of this team.” — PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.
GIFU — The Philippine Women’s National Football Team opened their campaign at the 20th Asian Games with a clutch 1-1 draw against Central Asian power Uzbekistan, as 19-year-old Natalie Collins scored a late equalizer just minutes after coming off the bench.
The Group G opener at Nagaragawa Athletics Stadium saw the Filipinas absorb sustained pressure for most of the match, with goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel turning in a standout performance to keep the score level. McDaniel made eight saves across the ninety minutes, denying Uzbekistan’s Lyudmila Karachik, Ilvina Ablyakimova, Dyorakhon Khabibullaeva, and Nilufar Kudratova on a series of dangerous attempts.
Olivia McDaniel was again a force between the sticks, notching eight saves.
Uzbekistan broke the deadlock in the 81st minute when midfielder Mehribon Egamberdieva struck from the top of the box, capitalizing on a defense-splitting through ball from Umida Zoirova. The goal looked set to hand the Filipinas an opening-match defeat.
But the team’s resolve held. One minute after the goal, Collins was introduced as a substitute for Jourdyn Curran. In the 89th minute, she intercepted Zoirova’s possession in the back third, pouncing on the Uzbek defender’s error before finishing with a composed strike to level the score, 1-1.
The goal marked a breakout senior debut for Collins, who was one of the leading scorers for the Filipinas U17 squad in 2024.
“I believe that we just fight so hard for each other and we’re so proud to represent the crest and just our Filipino culture in every and all moments that we have on the field,” Collins said.
Head coach Mark Torcaso echoed that sentiment, pointing to the team’s character as the difference-maker.
Inday Tolentin (left) provided the Filipinas’ offensive spark in the second half with two shots on goal.
“We showed passion, character, and fight till the end. That’s all we asked the players — fight right to the end. A draw is okay, still. But we need to now focus on the next match. Hong Kong is a tough team. We need to be ready,” Torcaso told pff.org.ph.
Torcaso also singled out Collins for her impact on debut. “Nat Collins has come along this journey since my appointment, and we have worked together for these moments. I am very proud of her and satisfied she scored a goal on her debut.”
Looking at the broader picture, Torcaso noted the team is still building toward larger goals.
“We will always fight in every game till the end. I am proud of this group and happy that, with many new and returning faces, we pinched a draw against a full Uzbekistan team. Can we play a little better? Yes, but we are working on something specific to be ready for the World Cup and some upcoming tough matches.”
The result gives the Filipinas one point from their opening match in Group G. They will look to build on the momentum when they face Hong Kong on September 17 at 5 PM (6 PM Philippine time), also at Nagaragawa Athletics Stadium in Gifu, Japan.
