The Philippine Women’s Football Team, fondly called the Filipinas, fought a brave but unsuccessful battle against powerhouse Norway to finally end their Cinderella run at the Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand. Our Filipinas lost by a humbling 6-0 score, but they demonstrated a refreshing, spunky attitude that won fans all over the globe. They were just 1 game away from making it to the elite round of 16, but things just weren’t meant to be.
Still, I wish to congratulate – and thank profusely from the bottom of my heart – these gallant ladies who gave their all to make our country proud. Indeed, it was a magical run, a heartwarming debut in the world’s biggest women’s football stage – the Women’s World Cup. Not only did it give our people something to cheer for, it also produced a bevy a new sporting idols for our young ones. Their journey to the World Cup is now an inspiration to the next generation of Pinay youngsters, and boys and girls are trooping to the football field more than ever.
Our Pinays may have lost to Norway 6-0, but it came after they handed the hosts New Zealand a crucial, painful 1-0 loss, eventually costing the NZs a spot in the final 16. And for the Filipinas, it would catch the imagination of the global football community. It was such a proud moment, bringing out thousands of Filipino supporters to Auckland for that crucial match with Norway. It is estimated that there were as much as 30,000 plus Filipinos and their supporters who trooped to the New Zealand’s national arena to watch the match against Norway. Here in the Philippines, watch parties were organized in malls, public spaces, and homes. Supporters flooded social media with praises and encouragement. And seeing how our ladies sang the national anthem with pride and with an occasional tear shed, there was a joyful heart-warming feeling and a nationalistic fervor that would engulf the country.
Coach Alen Stajcic was profuse with praises for the team, for punching “so far above their weight”, in reference to a lighter boxer unafraid to fight against another boxer so much heavier and stronger and taller than him. From Jollibee: “Herstory was made because of you, Filipinas! Thank you for raising our flag and making us feel the joy of being Pinoy. We’re proud of you.” From countless other publications and media outlets, so much gratitude and praise flooded in.
Of course, as always, there were bashers as well, as some people still could not accept non-Philippine residents as members of the team. Truth to tell, majority of the players are based in foreign soil, mostly from the US of A. But that being said, that doesn’t make them any less Filipina if they’re part of the Philippine diaspora. Many of our kababayans may have left the country for better opportunities abroad, but you can still see their sense of identity and pride to be Pinoys. Do we disqualify them – or their kids – for wanting to find better opportunities elsewhere and yet still have the heart of a Filipino? These young ladies worked hard; put in their blood, sweat and tears to improve their craft; even spent their own money to organize and join Philippine football activities in far-off places. These ladies sacrificed much of their time, and worked hard to get where they are right now. They deserve a chance to play. And to make our country proud.
Other countries have similar stories of athletes excelling in other lands. That does not disqualify them from playing for their country. It is said that one of the best ways to jumpstart the development of a sport in a county is by bringing in quality players from abroad to play and teach the sport. What better way than to bring our own kababayans from abroad to teach and inspire our local players.
And it’s paying off. In spades. You can see that in social media. You can see that in the praises lavished. You can see that in the number of football kids now playing in different turfs. These ladies have contributed much to the country. They gave us pride. They gave us hope. They gave our kids great dreams for the future. To the haters, better rethink your position on this.
To our Filipinas once again, you have the country’s heartfelt gratitude for putting the country on the world football map. The Filipinas may not have advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, but they thrilled and won the hearts of their fellow countrymen who supported them during their historic campaign. And we look forward to what the Philippine Football Federation announced: that the team’s “magical journey in the World Cup is just the beginning”.
Cover photo courtesy of Nylon Manila. Other pics courtesy of Inquirer Sports, GMA Network, CNN Philippines, Skysports, Spin.ph, Cebu Daily News, and the Philippine Football Federation. For a closer look, just click on the picks.
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