WELLINGTON, New Zealand – The Philippine team's top players were able to test themselves against the world’s best in their first match in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup last Thursday.
Striker Sarina Bolden and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel said it was a welcome experience even as the Philippines bowed to Switzerland, 2-0.
See Filipinas face New Zealand in crucial match in Fifa Women's World Cup
“Definitely a learning experience to be up against players playing in the top leagues all around,” said Bolden on Sunday following their training at the Olympic Park in Auckland. “Definitely awesome to go up against that high level and to give myself the gauge of where I am at as an attacker.”
Bolden has 22 goals in her five-year international career, including seven when she led the Filipinas to the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship. The 27-year-old Bolden though didn’t have her usual touches in the match against Switzerland after being pitted with the likes of Noelle Maritz from Arsenal and Luenna Buehler from Tottenham Hotspur, and even midfielder Lia Walti, also from Arsenal.
Overall though, Bolden said she was happy that they’ve proven that they can go toe-to-toe with an opponent such as Switzerland.
“Everyone is just kinda saying it was a good level to assess where we are in our career so far as a team and as a unit. Really great learning experience so far,” said Bolden.
“So far, I’m really proud of the way we played our first debutant World Cup. Kinda like what Staj was saying, he is very proud of us and I’m very proud of the showing that we put out there in the world and to the Philippines.”
The Western Sydney Wanderers player added the match against Switzerland only ignited their belief that the Filipinas can win on the World Cup level.
“Very proud and just a good showing. But obviously, we didn’t get the result that we wanted so moving forward, we are hungry for the first win. Hopefully, it can be against New Zealand,” said Bolden.
McDaniel, meanwhile, had a respectable showing in the Switzerland match. The first goal by Ramona Bachmann was on a penalty, while the second goal made by Seraina Piubel was off a second save by McDaniel and a scramble inside the box.
“Knowing a player like Bachmann, we did our homework on her, how well she is in taking her PKs, what she does and what she doesn’t do. I tried to focus on that. But at the end of the day, she sold it. Side corner, couldn’t do much about it. Fantastic PK.”
“The ball came across. I did what I could possibly do with that moment but the ball came out unlikely and right at their feet. Couldn’t really do much about it. Maybe a bit grouchy, a bit of an Oscar The Grouch after the game after watching that back.”
McDaniel is looking forward to play the next game against Switzerland and apply what she learned from the match.
“Hopefully, we can take what we learned and move forward with it,” said McDaniel.
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