Women's World Cup 2023

     The country is celebrating the win of the Philippine women's football over host New Zealand, 1-0. The Philippines won three days ago but the euphoria is until now, in social media the thrill is overflowing still, and that is their second game in the round robin stage. They lost in the first game against Switzerland. The celebration seems like they won the Women's World Cup. 

Sarina Bolden's goal in the first half gave hope to the Philippine team

     Indeed Bolden deserves the accolade but the goalkeeper, Olivia Davies-MacDaniel, has to be highlighted for her tenacity to stop and prevent New Zealand from scoring. She was instrumental in preventing any goal from the opponent which made them win. The press should emphasize that too.

     I heard of women's football late last year when I saw the Philippine team winning the finals of the Asia Football Federation Cup. I searched about the team which I have not heard of before, only to find out that all but one were born outside of the Philippines, mostly in the US. They are all speaking with the American twang when interviewed on TV. Thus after that I didn't follow their succeeding games until this World Cup. When they lost thelr first match, I lost track of them and I thought it was game over for them. Until this World Cup.

     Anyway, they may not be homegrown talents but I hope they really stay and play for the country for love of the country and the game. A friend highlighted to me that France men's football team which won the World Cup last year, has a team majority of which are migrants from Africa. I guess he is right. Thus there is hope for this women's football team. I do hope they succeed into the next round and forward. They have to win their next match against Norway in order to continue the fight.

Their first win made them sensation of the press

World Cup 2022

     I miss football World Cup which happens every four years. The 2022 edition is not shown on live TV, unlike when I was in Malaysia and Singapore where football has massive following. The opening yesterday in Qatar and the first match was not shown on TV. I found out the results only online. 

2022 World Cup

     It is not shown in the Philippines where basketball reigns. All I can do is shake my head in disbelief when the whole world is agog over World Cup. I first learned of the World Cup in Malaysia, the 1996 World Cup, when Brazil won its fifth title. Malaysian friends are crazy on the World Cup so I had to get involve in order to join their revelry.  I learned to bet on my favorite teams although I don't remember winning.

 

Azkals

       Some years ago, Azkals went to Singapore to play against, I think, Indonesia or Singapore. That time, it seemed Azkals was darling of the Philippines, they ignited interest in football in the country hooked in basketball. I was a fan boy of football especially that their manager is a fellow Waray, someone coming from my province, my junior in high school.

     We followed them all the way to their hotel after the match since my friendship with their manager and staff helped got me informed where they were billeted. With my Singapore gang we  took photos with them.

Pic with them, I can only remember Etheridge, their goalkeeper