MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in the country’s sports history, the Philippine national women’s football team earned a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup after winning against the Chinese Taipei team in the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinals of the 2022 AFC Asian Women’s Cup was held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India, and lasted for more than 120 minutes.
The Malditas, as the Philippine national women’s football team is more popularly known, ended up defeating Chinese Taipei on penalties, 4-3.
Quinley Quezada opened goal for the Philippine team during the 49th minute.
The game was tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes and the extra time ended.
With the great efforts and teamwork of keeper Olivia McDaniel’s saves and goal, Sarina Bolden finally scored the clincher to football’s biggest stage.
With the Malditas’ victory in this hard-fought match, they have secured a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup semifinals.
The AFC semifinals will be held on February 3, as the Philippine women’s football team goes against South Korea’s team.
Also in a celebratory mood, Philippine Football Federation’s Secretary General Edwin Gastanes said, “The Philippine flag will fly high and proud in the FIFA Women World Cup 2023 Australia & New Zealand in July 2023…Thank you to all those who believe on and support the team.”
“For now, every young kid back at home in the Philippines can be inspired to get to the World Cup themselves. The group is really proud of each other, but they’re even more proud to inspire the next generation,” said the national women’s football team coach, Alen Stajcic.
Sources: Philippine News Agency, Inquirer.net