The Philippines can compete against higher ranked teams.
National coach Allen Stajcic said this as the 25-member Philippine national women’s team players began their training camp in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The Filipinas were led by team captain Tahnai Annis and vice-captain Hali Long in the camp, which will go on for almost two weeks in the Central American country during the Fifa international window.
“We now know we can compete with the likes of New Zealand and Ireland. The next step is to start beating these higher ranked teams,” remarked Stajcic in a statement.
The Filipinas will take on Costa Rica in a friendly twice with the first match slated Friday ( late Saturday, Manila time) at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, while the second match will be October 11.
This will be the first time that a team from the Philippines will play a Central American side.
Stajcic hopes these games will deepen the bench and develop the flexibility of the roster.
“The next step is to start beating these higher ranked teams. With a few injuries and bouts of illness in the Team this week, it will be a great test of our depth and flexibility in the team,” added Stajcic.
The Filipinas are continuously having a buildup in time for their stint in the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand next year.
Coach Alen Stajcic stressed the importance of familiarizing the Filipinas to different playing styles as they prepare for the World Cup.
“The motivations of the team are at an all time high and confidence too is in a good place,” said Stajcic.
