THE Filipinas continue their intensive preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup when they battle Wales early tomorrow morning (Wednesday night in Europe) at the start of the four-nation Pinatar Cup at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain.
Playing against squads higher than them in the FIFA women’s world ratings, the charges of Australian coach Alen Stajcic, who are ranked No. 53, face the Welsh, ranked No. 32, at 8:30 p.m. (3:30 a.m. Thursday Manila time).
The other match pits Scotland (No. 25) against Iceland (No. 16) at 3 p.m. (7 p.m. Manila time) in the short, single-round series where the squad with the most wins tops the tournament.
The Philippines plays Scotland three days later before winding up its campaign against Iceland on Feb. 21.
Among those looking forward to seeing action in the tournament is veteran goalkeeper Inna Palacios, who has been relegated to reserve status since Fil-Am Chandler McDaniel took over the main role of minding the net.
“As long I can contribute to the team, I am willing to still play because this is my passion,” Palacios, 29, said last week during the press conference where the Philippine Football Federation announced that adidas will be the official outfitter of the Filipinas for the next four years.
A member of the Kaya-Iloilo women’s football team, Palacio said this is the reason why she remained in the county despite offers to play overseas.
