In only just their second ever game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Philippines have gone on to not only upset one of the co-hosts in their own backyard, but they have gone onto recorded their first ever win at the tournament.
Yes, every team has emotions every time they win at the biggest women’s sporting tournament in the world, but every team isn’t the Philippines.
Rewind back to September 2021, where the Philippines were battling it out for a spot at the Women’s Asia Cup, they only just beat Nepal and Hong Kong in games where they had to come back from behind.
According to FIFA in August 2021, Nepal were ranked 101st in the world, while Hong Kong were ranked 76th in the world. The Philippines were ranked 68th in the world.
A month after they qualified for the Women’s Asia Cup in October 2021, the Philippines appointed Australian Alen Stajcic as their new head coach, having been coaching Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Men’s competition for the last two years.
Three months later, the Philippines began their Women’s Asian Cup campaign where they got to the knockout stages for only the second time in their Asia Cup journey, falling to South Korea 2-0 in the Philippines’ maiden semi-final appearance.
Jumping back to present time, as of June 2023, the Philippines have moved up to be ranked 46th in the world according to FIFA’s rankings and are now in with a chance to qualify for the Round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup.
Coach Alen Stajcic says it’s a special moment for his team, not only scoring their first goal at a Women’s World Cup, but going on to win the game.
“It’s pretty raw, it was pretty emotional out there on the pitch,” Stajcic said.
“Just seeing every staff member, every player crying out there, they spilt their tears on my eyes,” he said.
For the Philippines to win in only their second outing at a Women’s World Cup is an impressive result and one they should be proud of, considering how the match played out.
New Zealand dominated – they had 69% of the ball compared to Philippines’ 31%.
It was safe to say as well that the hosts created plenty of chances, way more than that of the Philippines. New Zealand’s chances included a shot that hit the inside of the post and a goal that was ruled offside courtesy of VAR.
Stajcic believes it’s the biggest moment in Philippines’s sporting history as his side looks to continue this impressive run with him at the helm.
“The unity, the work rate and the heart from the team was special,” Stajcic said.
“We had some luck, but we also earned our luck and from that, it’s just a special moment in Philippines sport,” he said.
These last 18 months have changed not only for the Philippines, but women’s football and sport in the Philippines as well.
This form can continue as they prepare to face Norway in their final group game on Friday night.
With the group still wide open, any of the four teams can take the first two spots in the Round of 16 stage.
Going back to my earlier point, every team shares the emotions of winning a match at a Women’s World Cup, especially your very first victory. That viewpoint changes when you see the journey the Philippines have been on.
With an inconsistent Norwegian side awaiting them, this provides Stajcic and his side a perfect opportunity to go on and create more history and who knows, maybe even more emotions are waiting for them.
Stajcic’s impressive 59% win record with the Philippines is something Norway need to watch out for. Regardless of the outcome, the Philippines have definitely been the story of this Women’s World Cup to date.
Featured image credit: Philippines
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