Fresh from their historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign in New Zealand, the Filipinas paid a visit to the Gilas Pilipinas’ team practice on Friday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Led by team official Belay Fernando and captain Hali Long, the Filipinas were introduced to their Gilas Men’s counterparts. They exchanged stories about their experience of competing on the world stage as underdogs against higher-ranked nations.
Star forward Sarina Bolden and starting goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel were in attendance, as well as veterans like stopper Inna Palacios and striker Chandler McDaniel.
The team also had a chance to talk to Utah’s star guard, Jordan Clarkson.
(C) PWNFT
The Filipinas came off an impressive debut on the world stage. They started their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland on July 21, then bounced back strongly with a memorable 1-0 victory over the host nation, New Zealand, on July 25.
They ended their campaign with a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Norway on July 30. The team will return to action in the Asian Games under a new head coach following Alen Stajcic’s move to Perth Glory.
Meanwhile, Gilas is preparing for its own World Cup which begins on August 25.
They face the Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy.
