Filipinas edge Aussie booters to start Asian women’s football bid with a win
The Filipinas take time for a photo opportunity after they stunned a heavily-favored Australian women’s team during the start of the Asian Football Federation Women’s Championship at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila on Monday evening, July 4. | Photo from PFF Website
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) Filipinas stunned the heavily-favored Australian Women’s Team, 1-0, on Monday evening at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila to start their 12th AFF Women’s Championship on a positive note.
The Filipinas’ ever-reliable striker, Sarina Bolden delivered the match-winning goal at the 60th minute to upset Australia in the group A competition.
Their victory towed them to the top of the team standings in Group A along with Thailand which routed Indonesia, 4-0, in the other match at the Binan Stadium in Laguna.
The Filipinas weathered the relentless attacks of the Aussies in the first half by imposing tough defense in every possession. The Aussies had four clear attempts, two were saved by Olivia McDaniel, while two went wide.
Bolden almost scored a goal at the 48th minute from Katrina Guillo’s lob from the right wing, but her header went above the bar.
The momentum shifted in the latter parts of the second half when the Filipinas started to penetrate the Aussies’ defense by their consistent attacks.
Bolden scored the lone goal at the 60th minute after she perfectly stroke a header from Eva Madarang’s long inbound pass.
The Aussie goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman looked helpless in chasing the ball that bounced a few meters away from her heading inside the goal.
“This is an amazing win for us. As I said earlier it does not matter whether this was Australia’s Under-23 squad this is a very tough squad that ranks among the top in the world so winning against them was a good one,” said the Filipinas head coach Alan Stajcic.
In addition, Stajcic revealed that the fans who watched the match was instrumental for their win.
“They really inspired us to play our best. They were also amazing in braving the rain. We wish there were more but I expect that this win will encourage more of them in our succeeding matches,” added Stajcic.
The Filipinas will take on Singapore tomorrow at 7:00 PM at the same venue.
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