QUEENSTOWN — The “high-profile” friendly that Philippine Women’s National Football Team coach Alen Stajcic alluded to in his pre-match press conference before the Switzerland match in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup may have involved none other than the four-time world champions, the United States of America.
In a report by Caitlin Murray of ESPN, she stated that midfielder Savannah DeMelo started the Stars and Stripes’ 3-0 win over Vietnam on Saturday at Eden Park here in Auckland because of her impressive showing against the Filipinas in a secret match.
While officials from the Philippine Football Federation, as well as anyone from the Filipinas camp, are yet to confirm if this friendly did happen, it would make sense for both sides to help each other prepare for the big dance since both squads are based in Auckland.
The Filipinas reside at the Movenpick Hotel and train at the Olympic Park, while the Americans stay at the Sofitel Auckland and practice at the Bay City Park.
If the Philippines and the United States did really play each other, then it must have taken place just days before both teams engaged in their respective opening matches.
“We played a couple of friendlies, another one behind closed doors against a really high-profile nation, and we played Sweden as well. During our preparation for this World Cup, it’s not only about this moment,” said Stajcic last July 20, 2023.
“It’s about growing the team forever. We’ve never played against European opposition up until last year, up until seven or eight months ago when we played Bosnia, then we played Ireland.”
The Philippines will look to bounce back against host nation New Zealand this Tuesday here in Wellington to advance.
On the other hand, the USA targets a win against the Netherlands this Thursday also here in Wellington as well to advance out of Group E.
