WELLINGTON — The Philippine Women’s National Football Team will have to brace itself as 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosts New Zealand are determined to defend home soil at the Wellington Regional Stadium tomorrow night.
The Football Ferns can book a ticket to the next round with a win against the Filipinas, and they also have momentum on their side after their 1-0 upset of Norway last week.
Now, as both teams are playing their second match in the tournament, the element of surprise has lessened, and a sense of urgency to secure all three points has crept in.
“We studied the Philippines even prior to the tournament,” said Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková. “We observed their game against Switzerland, so we understand their playing style. We are prepared defensively, aiming to maintain a well-organized shape, possess the ball, control the game, and secure a victory.
“They’re obviously going to be a really tough side. Some of us know some of the players there and some of their key players. We’re up for the fight. It’s our home pitch, really, in a sense. It’s New Zealand. This is our soil. We’re just going to fight, no matter the opponent.”
One player from the New Zealand squad who is familiar with someone from the Filipinas camp is Malia Steinmetz, who plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League Women. She is a teammate of Philippines forward Sarina Bolden.
As colleagues from the same club, both players undoubtedly have insights into how the other plays. It shouldn’t be that hard for them to share information with their international teammates.
“She’s a great player, a great striker, as we’ve seen in international football and even at clubs. So knowing about her runs and how she communicates on the field, I can definitely share that with the girls,” said Steinmetz.
Throughout their history, the Football Ferns have qualified for the World Cup six times. However, it took until their 16th appearance to secure their first win in the tournament.
In contrast, this is the first time that the Filipinas have qualified for the world stage in Philippine history. Growth and success truly take time in sports, especially at this level in the international game. Klimkovà believes that Alen Stajcic’s side has already achieved so much and deserves respect.
“Unbelievable growth, unbelievable improvement from the Philippines. We were actually shocked in that first half. What we saw, especially when we were scouting them, was that they were a different team that evening. It’s great for women’s football that we have oppositions like the Philippines that are growing, pushing us, and challenging everyone they play against,” said the mentor who hails from the Czech Republic.
“That’s always good for the game when we have competitive matches. We know we won’t have any easy games in the World Cup. Every opponent we face has a reason to be here. They made it to the World Cup, and we are very humbled.”
