It will be a challenging experience for the Philippines to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
But knowing which teams are in the draw makes the job easier.
Former Australia team head coach Alen Stajcic said this as he gets ready to meet and handle the Philippine women’s national football team, also known as the Malditas.
“The good part of it is that we now know who we play, and we can now focus on getting the first match, and making sure that we are ready when we get to India,” said Stajcic in a shared video interview.
The Philippines, which is seeking a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, is in Group B of the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup that will be held in India this January.
The Malditas are with former AFC Women’s Asian Cup champion Australia and Southeast Asian countries Thailand and Indonesia.
During the draw, host India join China, Chinese Taipei, and Iran in Group A.
On the other hand, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Myanmar are in Group C.
The national team will be preparing for the Asian meet when they hold a camp in Irvine, California beginning November 10.
Coach Marlon Maro recently stepped down from his duties as head of the Malditas to give way to Stajcic.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Azkals national under-23 team took a 0-1 blow from host Singapore in the 2022 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup Qualifiers, Thursday evening at the Jalan Basar Stadium.
Glen Kweh shattered a scoreless spell in the 52nd minute as he sent in a goal off a pass from Danish Azman through goalie Quincy Kammeraad.
With its second straight loss, the Philippines dropped down to last place in Group H.
After also taking 0-3 setback from South Korea last Monday, the Philippines has been eliminated from and will no longer advance to the next stage.
South Korea, which came away with 6-0 swamping of Timor Leste, has assured itself of a place in the Asian Cup.
Singapore, which drew Timor Lester last Monday, 2-2, still has a chance to advance to the tournament proper next year if it places in the top four among the best second-placed teams.