Getting a feel of what it’s like to play against top-ranked teams is in store for the Philippine national women’s football squad when it takes part in a competition in Europe for the first time.
Filipino-American goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel said this as she joined the Filipinas last Saturday to get sharp and ready for the Wednesday opening of the Pinatar Cup 2023 in San Pedro del Pinatar in Murcia, Spain.
“These teams are ranked above us. These will give us a feel of the teams that we’re going to play in the FIFA World Cup 2023,” said the 25-year-old McDaniel.
The Filipinas have taken a long break from their buildup since last year and the long layoff is expected to help them recover.
McDaniel said a couple of practice sessions are expected to put them in game shape, when they meet the 32nd-ranked Wales on Wednesday.
“We were able to relax and recover after being busy last year,” added McDaniel.
The Filipinas are getting together again for their coming campaign in for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
McDaniel had a memorable performance with the Filipinas when they played a historic quarterfinal match against Chinese Taipei during the qualifiers last year.
The 5’8” McDaniel stopped two out of three penalties by Chinese Taipei and scored a penalty kick herself to help bring the Filipinas to their first World Cup.
Her sister Chandler is expected to return to action after spending many months recovering from an ACL injury.