AS part of their FIFA Women’s World Cup build-up, The Filipinas, the national women’s football squad, swing back to action tomorrow against Chile at the 23,000-seat Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar, Chile.
The friendly is the first of two between the countries that will highlight an 11-day training camp by the charges of Australian coach Alen Stajcic.
The La Roja Femenina, as the Chile women’s squad is called, are ranked No. 38 in the FIFA Women’s world rankings, 15 rungs higher than their rivals, and will try to book a slot in the World Cup in the continental playoff for the three remaining tickets for South America.
“The camp and the matches are historic as this will be the first time the PFF will be sending the team to South America,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta Jr.
“With less than a year before the Women’s World Cup, the PFF wants to make sure that the team continues to stay sharp and ready,” Araneta added.
“We are grateful to our friends from the Football Federation of Chile for their help,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Ed Gastanes.
“Not only are they giving the Filipinas quality opposition with their women’s national team, but they will also provide good accommodations and facilities for the team to sustain their build-up for the World Cup,” Gastanes noted.
Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng welcomed the chance to play tune-up games against a team of Chile’s caliber.
“It’s a great opportunity for the team to continue testing their abilities and to improve,” said Cheng.
The Filipinas are bracketed in Group A with co-host New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland in the World Cup scheduled July 20 to Aug. 20, 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
