The Philippines Women’s Football Team made their FIFA World Cup debut against 20th-ranked Switzerland, concluding with a 0-2 defeat last July 21, 2023, at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, New Zealand.
Hearing the familiar national anthem, Filipinos globally echo their support for the national roster as the Federation welcomes the Philippine Women’s Football team to the grandest stage for the first time in the country’s history.
Youtube: One Sports
Right out of the gate, both squads exchanged blows, witnessing exceptional defense from the back line. The 16th minute of the opening match saw a nail-biting finish from beyond the box by right-forward Katrina Guillou, though overturned due to a narrow off-side review.
With the first half coming to a close, the boot of Jessika Cowart made contact with Swiss-midfielder Coumba Sow in the penalty area, leading to a late first-half conversion from Paris Saint-Germain Féminine’s Ramona Bachmann.
Switzerland emerged onto the pitch in the succeeding half, hoping to capitalize on their advantage. PH Women’s goalkeeper Olivia Davies-McDaniel saw action in the post, stopping the ball twice after two near-attempts as Swiss Seraina Séverin Piubel delivered the final blow en route to a two-goal deficit. The opposition commanded the side, recording eight shots on target and a 74% passing accuracy.
Despite the outcome, the PH Women’s Football team looks to their matchups against tournament hosts New Zealand (26th-ranked) and 12th-ranked Norway, hoping to keep their FIFA World Cup hopes alive.
