Sarina Bolden on historic AFC Women's Asian Cup stint: 'Philippines, you're gonna remember this team'

The Philippine women's football team may have ended its campaign in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup but its story continues.

The Filipina booters fell to world no. 18 Korea Republic in their semifinal clash on Thursday, 0-2, to formally put a cap on what has been a historic run for the team in one of the most glamorous tournaments in the world.

But Sarina Bolden, whose game-winning penalty kick against Chinese Taipei brought secured the country's qualification to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, said they will come back stronger as they now gear up for the global conclave and the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games.

"A lot of people doubted us [but] we came in here and fought every single game and now have made a name for ourselves," said Bolden in the post-game interview.

"Philippines, you're gonna remember this team. And you're going to see us in the World Cup. Don't forget about us because we're coming back."

The 25-year-old Bolden stressed the road has not been easy for the Filipinas.

Not as recognized as their men's counterparts, the Azkals, the women's team had to climb their way back up.

The squad was not able to land on the podium during the country's hosting of the 2019 SEA Games, where they fell to Vietnam in the knockout stage.

They regrouped during the pandemic, sweeping their two matches against Nepal and Hong Kong in the Asian Cup Qualifiers last year, before eventually moving on from then-head coach Marlon Maro.

Former Australian player and coach Alen Stajcic took the coaching reins and led the national team's preparation for the Asian Cup, where five tickets to the World Cup were up for grabs.

They pulled off a surprises after dispatching Southeast Asian rivals Thailand and Indonesia though they failed to escape Australia, finishing the group stage in second place. The Filipinas, who ranked no. 64 in the world, then defeated Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinal round en route to meeting Korea in the semis.

"I would say that this team has grown so much, just like in the past couple of years and look how far we've come. We were playing against Myanmar, Nepal and now we're competing against Australia [and] Korea. I'm so freaking proud," an emotional Bolden added.

The Philippine women's football team are tipped to compete in the Vietnam Games this May 2022 and the World Cup slated from July 20 to August 20, 2023 in host countries Australia and New Zealand.

—JMB, GMA News