By: Icko de Guzman
Back in October 2023, Mark Torcaso and the Filipinas walked into Perth Stadium carrying belief — and walked out humbled.
In their AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying clash against the Australian Matildas, the hosts unleashed eight unanswered goals in a ruthless 8–0 rout that left the Philippines reeling.
On Sunday night, nearly two years later, the same venue told a different story.
In the opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, questions lingered: Would history repeat itself? Would Australia once again overwhelm the Filipinas on home soil?
An early header from Sam Kerr in the 14th minute gave the Matildas the lead, but it would be the only breakthrough of the night.
From that point on, the Filipinas dug deep, regrouped, and refused to let the game spiral.
For Torcaso, the narrow 1–0 defeat spoke volumes about his Filipinas’ growth.
(C) AFC
“The last time we played here, it was a lot more than that,” Torcaso said after the match.
“Credit to the girls and credit to all the hard work they’ve put in — not only in the last month, but also in the last six months to a year to get to this point where we want to qualify for another World Cup.”
Trailing for most of the contest, Australia seemed poised to pull away. Instead, the Philippines stood firm. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel delivered a heroic performance, racking up 18 saves to frustrate the hosts and keep the match within reach.
“The one thing that this country’s got is they’ve got fight and determination, and they did not stop,” Torcaso added.
“They know how to stay disciplined, and that encapsulates what a Filipino is. I’m extremely proud of the girls.”
The result may not have yielded points, but it reinforced belief.
Up next for the Philippines are 2022 finalists South Korea, and for Torcaso, the message is clear: stay prepared and stay composed.
“We’re ready. The girls are ready to confront South Korea, and we know that they’re a very strong side too,” he stressed.
“We just have to take each day as it is, make sure the recovery is good, and be ready to go.”
