Valiant Filipinas Duccumb To Powerhouse Switzerland

The Philippines’ women’s national football team Filipinas put up a valiant effort but fell short against Switzerland in their thrilling FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, losing 2-0 in a hard-fought match at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin in New Zealand on Friday, July 22.

The Swiss, ranked 20th in the world, capitalized on the Filipinas’ defensive lapses to secure a well-earned victory in Group A. The game’s first turning point came in the 16th minute when forward Katrina Guillou found the back of the net from the right wing, only to have it disallowed due to an offside call, much to the dismay of the Filipino fans present.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Switzerland was awarded a penalty kick after Jessika Cowart committed a foul on Coumba Sow inside the box. Star striker Ramona Bachmann made no mistake from the spot, confidently converting the penalty to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

The Philippine team, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, did not let the setback deter them, and they continued to battle hard in the second half. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel’s brilliant saves kept the scoreline close, denying the Swiss from extending their lead on multiple occasions.

However, Switzerland’s relentless pressure paid off in the 65th minute when Seraina Piubel pounced on a rebound after McDaniel’s impressive double save, effectively sealing the game with a 2-0 advantage.

Filipinas’ head coach Alen Stajcic praised his team’s courage and competitiveness throughout the match. “Our players showed incredible composure despite playing on the grand football stage for the first time,” Stajcic said in a press statement. “We had our moments and could have changed the game’s outcome with a bit of luck.”

Despite the loss, Stajcic remained mildly puzzled about the penalty decision as the offense leading to the penalty was not entirely clear. He, however, gave credit to Switzerland as they were dominant in the crucial moments.

The Filipinas will now look to regroup as they head to their base camp in Auckland before facing co-hosts New Zealand in a must-win encounter in Wellington on Tuesday, July 25. New Zealand’s stunning 1-0 upset against top-seeded Norway has added an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming clash.

German coach Ingmar Gings, in charge of the Swiss team, acknowledged the Philippines’ tough play in the first half and was relieved that her team settled down and clinched the victory. Gings knows the road ahead will present more challenges, but with a strong start, her favored charges will look to carry the momentum forward in the tournament.

The Filipinas’ debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup might not have yielded the desired result, but their spirited display and determination have earned them respect on the global stage. As they prepare to face New Zealand, the Philippine team will aim to turn their resilience into goals and secure their first-ever victory in the prestigious tournament.