EXCITED but anxious at the same time, goalkeeper Inna Palacios and defender Hali Long are looking forward to the final stretch of the Filipinas’ intensive preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand next month.
“Definitely, we’re excited. It seems like it was only yesterday when we qualified for the World Cup. We are really here to make the most of the opportunity,” Palacios said during the national team’s send-off conducted by co-host New Zealand at its ambassador’s residence in Forbes Park recently.
“Just like Inna said, we are really excited (about participating in the World Cup). That’s what it’s all about, to play for the sport that we love and the country we love. To hopefully do justice and make everyone proud,” echoed Long.
Also present during the affair co-hosted by New Zealand Charges d’ affaires Tim Given and Australian Counsellor and acting deputy head of mission Thanh Le were Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta Jr. and general secretary Atty. Ed Gastanes.
Palacios and Long were among the 29 players in the list released by the Filipinas coaching staff led by Australian head coach Alen Stajcic through the PFF website over the weekend.
The others who were on the “provisional squad” were goalies Olivia McDaniel, Kaiya Jota and Kiara Fontanilla; defenders Maya Alcantara, Alicia Barker, Angela Bear, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison and Dominique Randle; midfielders Tahnai Annis, Ryle Bugay, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkinson, Eva Madarang, Jessica Miclat, Isabela Pasion, Quinley Quezada, Jaclyn Sawicki; and forwards Sarina Bolden, Isabella Flanigan Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel and Meryll Serrano.
The list will be pruned down to the final roster of 23 players sometime in early July.
The Filipinas open their campaign in Group A on July 21 against Switzerland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Palacios and Long said they are bracing for what “will be the hardest workout” the Nationals can expect before the World Cup.
“We expect nothing less because we know how much work we need to do to perform at the level we all want. We’re going to have to dig deep and find something within us that we were not really able to reach out for to accomplish something that we have not done before,” Palacios stressed.
“It will be a new experience; we are all excited to see how far we can push ourselves in training and translate that into the playing field when it comes.”
Both of them are acutely aware the remaining players would be jostling for spots in the final roster of the Filipinas, who are back in Sydney, Australia at the training venue of the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club, which is co-owned by national women’s football team manager Jeff Cheng.
“I know it is difficult but it’s what makes the team better. We sense that internally. It really sparks that fire to really put your best foot forward,” Palacios said.
“At heart we have each other’s backs first and foremost, whether you are on the field or not. And you know the purpose who is out on the field is for and if you don’t have their backs?” Long asked. “Then why would you fight for someone if you didn’t have their backs?
We want to go out there and die for one another.
“At the end of the day, if you give your best, you also help the entire team. We all have our own roles for the team and that’s how we do it. You just give your best and it will eventually lead to the team’s success.”
