When challenges arise, individuals can either sink or swim under the pressure. Philippine Women’s National Football Team goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, though, rose above the tide and almost single-handedly dragged the nation into the final four of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and entry into the FIFA World Cup 2023 hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
“To be honest it didn’t hit me yet. It’s really surreal,” commented McDaniel after the Philippines’ nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Chinese Taipei. “I’m just really proud of this team and what we did for our country to be able to break history like this and create longevity for this team, and to be able to move forward and create this chance to go to the World Cup.
“It was just a dream a couple of months ago but now it’s reality.”
With 120 minutes of action unable to separate the Philippines and Chinese Taipei, penalties were needed to find the winner. Misses from veteran defender Hali Long and midfielder Jessica Miclat almost put the Filipinas out of the contest, only for the 24-year-old stopper to step up and make herself a national hero.
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee graduate performed fantastic stops to deny Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Yi-yun and Su Hsin-yun – and converted a spot-kick herself to hand the Philippines the advantage in sudden death. Her teammate, Sarina Bolden, then scored her penalty and the rest was history.
(C) AFC
“To be honest I thought that ‘It’s make or break right now’. You have to show up for your team right now.’ There was nothing else going through my head but ‘You’re going to make this save. You’re going to do this.’ And luckily, we’re tough that way,” said McDaniel.
“I was more nervous to stop the penalty kick than to take the penalty kick. I’ve been hitting penalty kicks for forever, and no nerves when I go up and take the penalty kick because I know it’s going at the back of the net.”
The Norco High School alumna has had a great individual campaign so far in the Asian Cup. Despite her lack of international experience beforehand, she has proven to coach Alen Stajcic and her teammates that she can rely on come crunch time.
“She played most games, but for her to step up to this level, I can’t recall exactly, but maybe only one cap under her belt before this moment, and to show that composure and maturity,” said Stajcic. “And she spoke about… she’s taking the fifth penalty… What an unbelievably brave act and that level of composure and bravery at that moment to step up for the team, and the coolness to slot it away.
“I think it was massive for sure and I’m glad she’s so relaxed about it. It is an unbelievable performance from her and really she’s one of the whole crew that has done remarkably well in this tournament.”
In the history of Philippine football, there are certain players and moments that will forever be etched in the minds of Filipino fans. Similar to Chris Greatwich’s last-minute equalizer against Singapore in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 or Stephan Schrock’s goal against Kyrgyzstan in the AFC Asian Cup 2019, McDaniel has immortalized herself with her herculean exploits to bring the Philippines into the FIFA World Cup 2023.
