WELLINGTON — One of Angie Beard’s former teammates is happy for the Philippine Women’s National Football Team defender’s move to represent the country of her mother in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Emily Gielnik, an Australian forward for Aston Villa who played with Beard for a year in Melbourne Victory, spoke out in support of the 5-foot-4 center-back and the Filipinas’ current run on the world stage.
“It’s a difficult one because I’ve been friends with Ange for quite a long time and that was a bit of a shock for me,” Gielnik told KeepUp.
“Again, she’s got that Filipino blood and if that means more to her than playing for Australia or we don’t know the circumstance, the opportunity, but she chose that for a reason and she’s a crucial player for Alen Stajcic now, which has just comes in full circle now.”
The Filipinas have made headlines around the world after they upset host nation New Zealand 1-0 last Tuesday at the Wellington Regional Stadium here.
Sarina Bolden’s 24th-minute header off a Sara Eggesvik assist as well as a fine save by goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel against Grace Jale in stoppage time sealed the memorable victory for Stajcic’s side.
“I am really happy for her. The win meant a lot to them. I even almost shed a tear for them,” said Gielnik.
“It’s history made and you know Staj has been our coach and Angie Beard gets a win like that on home soil. It’s probably a dream come true for her. I am really happy for the both of them.”
Beard and the Filipinas have a chance to enter the round of 16 of this World Cup with a win against Norway this Sunday at the Eden Park Stadium in Auckland here. Kickoff time is 3:00PM Manila time.
A draw for the Filipinas will make them reliant on Switzerland to do them a favor against New Zealand while defeat means outright elimination.
