The Philippines showed lots of discipline on the field after missing two key players and holding its ground again Wales.
The 32nd-ranked Wales may have pulled off a 1-0 triumph over the Filipinas in the 2023 Pinatar Cup on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), but Welsh coach Gemma Grainger still praised the visitors for being such an organized squad.
“They were really well organized, the players were excellent though in how relentless they were. We probably could have had more goals, but the three points is the main thing,” said Grainger in post-game interviews after the game in San Pedro del Pinatar, in Murcia, Spain.
Filipinas’ coach Allen Stajcic said the team managed to put up a good fight against Wales, which had great players in its roster.
“That was an amazing effort – probably one of our best in terms of effort. We went up against players in the super league and some of the big clubs as well, so it was a really good effort and the team showed a lot of discipline defensively,” said Stajcic.
The absence of two scorers, Sarina Bolden and Jackie Sawicki was somehow felt by the team.
“We missed Sarina and Jackie who just came in and (were) unavailable for today. A lot of things to look forward in the next week and hopefully we can freshen the squad up for Game 2 and see how we go against Scotland, which is as good as a team or even better (than Wales),” said Stajcic.
Wales’ victory put it to second place after Iceland hacked out a 2-0 win over Scotland earlier.
Kayleigh Green scored on penalty kick for Wales in the 45th minute, when she sent it low to Filipinas’ goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel’s right from 36 feet. Peter Atencio
“First and second half we worked extremely hard against an opponent that only missed out on the World Cup from UEFA, the strongest continent in women’s football. We played against a match-hardened team,” added Stajcic.
Stajcic brought in Eva Madarang and Katrina Guillou after the halftime break, and their presence on the field brought Wales on its feet.
The Filipinas went on the attack, as Madarang’s cross to Tahnai Annis skimmed to Guillou, who fired a half-volley that went straight to rookie goalie Safia Middleton-Patel’s hands.
Wales tried to score again, after Holland switched to the left wing, but her volley was pushed out of the way by McDaniel.
Bolden and Sawicki are expected to be around in their next game against Scotland on Saturday.