Filipinas national football team faces crucial test in Asian Games group stage
The Philippine women’s national football team is gearing up for a decisive match as it aims to secure a crucial victory in the group stage of the 19th Asian Games. Currently ranked 44th in the world, the Filipinas are determined to make a mark in their debut appearance at the prestigious tournament.
Their upcoming clash against Myanmar on Thursday, September 28, at the Wenzhou Sports Centre Stadium at 7:30 p.m. holds significant importance for both teams. Both squads share identical records of 1-1 in Group E standings, with a -2 goal differential (GD), making the spot for the next round up for grabs for both sides.
The Philippines suffered a disappointing 5-1 defeat to 20th-ranked South Korea earlier in the week, which puts them in a do-or-die situation to advance to the next round. Their only hope lies in securing a victory against Myanmar, and also relying on a dominant win by Japan over Vietnam in Group D. Only three of the second-best placed teams from the five groups will progress to the next round.
In previous matches, Sarina Bolden led the scoring for the Filipinas against Hong Kong and South Korea, but unfortunately, their opponents quickly equalized in both matches. Interestingly, the Filipinas faced Myanmar, currently ranked 51st in the world, in the group stage of the Southeast Asian Games last May. This encounter resulted in a narrow 1-nil defeat for the Filipinas, ultimately eliminating them from the regional tournament due to inferior GD.
However, with the experience gained from their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in July, where they secured their first-ever win against host nation New Zealand, the Philippine team seems to have an added competitive edge this time around.
The fate of the Philippine women’s national football team in the 19th Asian Games now hangs in the balance as they prepare to face Myanmar in a critical showdown. Only time will tell if they can secure the much-needed win to advance to the next round and make their mark on the global stage.
