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    Filipinas face New Zealand in crucial match in Fifa Women's World Cup

    The Philippines tries to stay in contention for next phase as Ferns seek second straight win in pool play
    Jul 25, 2023
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    PHOTO: PWNT

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand – The Philippines enters a crucial stage of its historic 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign when it faces host New Zealand on Tuesday at the Wellington Regional Stadium.

    The Filipinas take on the Football Ferns at 5:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m., Manila time)

    See Filipinas, Stajcic unperturbed as they face home bet New Zealand

    Expect an intense match with New Zealand out to win its second match in Group A which will most likely be enough to secure a place into the round-of-16.

    The Philippines, on the other hand, hopes to stay alive in its quest to make it past the group stage in what could be a make-or-break match for the team.

    Switzerland faces Norway later in the day at 8 p.m. in Hamilton, New Zealand (4 p.m., Manila time). Wins by New Zealand and Switzerland will officially eliminate the Philippines from contention.

    The Filipinas are coming off their first-ever Women’s World Cup match in a 2-0 loss to Switzerland last Friday in Dunedin. Head coach Alen Stajcic hopes that his players will be able to sustain their performance in the last match.

    “Obviously, getting that first one under the belt is important,” said Stajcic. “I’ve said it that the way they performed in that game was unbelievable for a debutant. To come in there with such composure and energy and enthusiasm and able to last the whole 90 minutes, which as you know, doesn’t always happen.”

    “You see teams cramp up and players cramp up due to their extra nervousness and energy they usually expend before their debut. Matching the way they did was amazing. Obviously, we wanted to win but we move on to the next game with a lot more confidence and belief knowing that we can compete with the big teams in the world. We’ve done it in friendlies before. But now, to do it in a World Cup match means a lot more,” said Stajcic.

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      Both teams are no longer new to each other with the Filipinas dropping a 2-1 decision over the Football Ferns last September in the United States. It was an impressive showing for the Philippines with Sarina Bolden putting the team in the board first.

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      New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova will try to lead the Football Ferns to another victory following a historic event by claiming their first-ever World Cup win with a 1-0 decision over Norway.

      “Philippines, different opposition, different style of play. We are prepared. We know how we need to play to perform again but the biggest priority for us is going back to the field and showing that passion and love for football again,” said Klimkova.

      Players to watch for New Zealand

      Hannah Wilkinson, who plays for Melbourne United, scored the lone goal of that match against Norway. Among the notable players who are under contract in top leagues are midfielder Olivia Chance (Celtic), goalkeeper Anna Leat (Aston Villa), and Ria Percival (Tottenham Hotspur). Ali Riley is one of the longest tenured player for the Football Ferns.

      Maila Steinmetz plays club football for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia where she is teammates with Sarina Bolden. “She is a great player. She is a great striker as we’ve seen in international football and even at club. Just knowing about her runs, and she will be yelling out there, and that’s for sure.”

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      PHOTO: PWNT
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