Experience gained over the last two years will help the Filipinas pull through in their first game against the New Zealand Football Ferns in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta said this as the Filipinas plunge into the final phase of their preparations with a month-long training camp in Sydney, Australia.
“Hopefully, we get a point against them. We are not far behind,” said Araneta, as the Filipinas brace for action against the Fernas on July 25 in Dunedin.
Coach Alen Stajcic, on Saturday, named 29 players to his provisional squad.
The pre-World Cup camp set at the Western Sydney Wanderers Complex, began Saturday.
Araneta recalled that the Filipinas managed to score a win over the Ferns, 2-1, in a friendly played in the United States in September last year.
“Hopefully, with the experience that they have, they will do well,” said Araneta.
Co-captains Hali Long and Tahnai Annis are among the players listed.
The roster will be cut to 23 within the month, in time for the Filipinas’ coming games.
Last week, the squad got a lift when the Filipinas’ FIFA world ranking jumped from No. 49 to No. 46.
The ranking was a historic achievement as the Filipinas were at no. 53 at the end of last year.
Among the players in the list are goalkeepers Kiara Fontanilla, Kaiya Jota, Olivia McDaniel and Inna Palacios.
Written as defenders are Maya Alcantara, Alicia Barker, Angela Beard, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Hali Long and Dominique Randle.
The midfielders are Tahnai Annis, Ryley Bugay, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkinso, Eva Madarang, Jessica Miclat, Isabela Pasion, Quinley Quezada and Jaclyn Sawicki.
The forwards are Sarina Bolden, Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel and Meryll Serrano.