ANALYSIS

Bar has been raised for unforgettable, World Cup-bound PH women's football team

The Philippine national women's football team was eliminated in the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup as they lost 2-0 at the hands of a much higher ranked South Korea in Pune, India.

Two first half goals by the Taegeuk Ladies in the early afternoon heat were the difference in the game as South Korea gave the Philippines a reality check as to the type of competition we will face in the FIFA Women's World Cup.

But the Filipinas would not go out without a fight, as Coach Alen Stajcic made three second half substitutions to try to bring the team back in the game.

The Philippines’ heart and courage were not enough, as South Korea were a notch above and the much better team on the day. The Koreans will go on to face China in the final of the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup.

Here are five takeaways from the Philippines standout performance in the tournament.

1. Mission Accomplished

Entering this tournament, the ultimate goal for the Philippines was to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

And the Filipinas did that and created many historic firsts along the way by beating Thailand and Chinese Taipei for the very first time in history, whilst progressing to the final four of the tournament – also a historic first.

The team achieved that at the back of very organized and disciplined defending, great chemistry amongst the team and a strong mentality backed by a very experienced coach in Stajcic.

A first ever semi-finals spot was icing on the cake for the Philippines, who despite gallantly bowing out in the semi-finals, should rightly feel that it was a job very well done for the team and the coaching staff.

2. South Korea is a taste of what’s to come in the World Cup

South Korea gave the Philippines a preview of the kind of opposition the Filipinas expect to face in World Cup, where the opponents will be quick and strong, technically sound, well-coached and well-prepared, and who will come at you fast and furious and often, with no mercy.

Coming off a grueling and emotional 120 minutes of quarterfinal action just four nights before, the Philippines would come off the more fatigued of the two sides.

But with no shots on target and with only 25% of the total possession against South Korea, there is certainly lots of room for improvement.

However, one thing the team does not lack is their collective heart and effort, something that Stajcic acknowledged.

“The best part about today is that after 120 minutes the other night, they fought right until the death,” said Stajcic. “It's an amazing amount of heart and courage and spirit in this group and I know I'm really proud of them.”

“No doubt many elements of the group we have to improve on,” Stajcic continued. “But belief and confidence and the effort and the heart of the group is already world class.”

“When you've created history almost every time you stepped on the field, there's really nothing that can be asked.”

3. Keeping Alen Stajcic is the priority

Stajcic’s contract with the Philippine team ended at the conclusion of the team’s campaign at the Asian Cup.

And with his tactical acumen coupled with excellent tournament load management and good rapport with the players, the very first priority by the PFF has to be to renew the contract with not just the very experienced Stajcic but his backroom staff as well.

He will be hot property at the moment, especially after guiding an unheralded Philippines side to its maiden FIFA World Cup finals.

But surely the Philippines has an inside track on signing him to an extension, especially after Stajcic spoke glowingly about his experience coaching the Philippines.

“This has been the best experience I think in my coaching career,” says Stajcic in the post-match press conference against South Korea.

“Been coaching for 20 years, to take this group who are so dedicated, so determined, so much discipline so much heart, so much spirit, considering what they have to overcome to come to this point.”

“I've never coached a group who've had so many hurdles to overcome just in the preparation, let alone in a tournament.”

4. 18 months to prepare for the Big Dance

With qualification for the 2023 World Cup secured, players now have the target to get as fit and as strong as can possibly be come July 2023.

The players who participated in this tournament will have priceless experience playing against top-level competition tucked under their belts, which will serve them in good stead.

The younger players, in particular Malea Cesar and Carleigh Frilles, will have learned so much, and will definitely play a much bigger role for the team.

With interest in Philippine women’s football at an all-time high, no doubt there will be players expressing interest to play and competition for spots on the team will be intense, which can only be a good thing.

Consistently playing in top leagues around the world will certainly help their cause, and as Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada (Japan), Katrina Guillou (Sweden), Jessica Miclat (Cyprus), and Eva Madarang (Spain) will attest to.

Stajcic has issued this challenge for all concerned:

“The bar of performance has been raised. The expectations now for the country have been raised.”

“And now everyone has to come on board and we've got 18 months to prepare now for the World Cup and to ensure that we do everything we can as a country to give these players the maximum possible chance at performing at that stage.”

5. Philippines will be back stronger

After tasting success, there’s no looking back now for Philippine Women’s Football.

And after being relegated to the shadows for so long, the spotlight will be firmly on the Filipinas now.

While the initial mission of World Cup qualification was achieved, the pain of the semi-finals defeat was evident in the players, especially in their spiritual leader, Bolden.

Holding back tears after the match, Bolden was emotional about the Philippines progress and achievements in this tournament.

“This team has grown so much just like in the past couple of years. Look how far we've come, we played against like Myanmar and Nepal we're barely able to keep with them and now we're competing against Australia and Korea, I'm so f—ing proud.”

“Philippines, you're gonna remember this team and you're gonna see us in the World Cup.”

“So don't forget about us, we're coming back.”

A grateful nation, inspired by your exploits on the pitch, are eagerly looking forward to seeing you all again, Sarina.

And we won’t be forgetting about you and the team anytime soon.

Or ever.

—JMB, GMA News