THE Philippine women’s national football team's final lineup for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was announced on Sunday.
Leading the pack for the first Philippine team to ever reach the global showpiece are veterans Sarina Bolden, Quinley Quezada, Tahnai Annis, and Hali Long.
Also on deck for coach Alen Stajcic in the World Cup to be hosted by New Zealand are defenders Alicia Barker, Fil-Aussie Angela Beard, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, and Dominique Randle.
READ: See who made it to Filipinas' 29-woman pool
Over in the midfield, the Filipinas will be relying on Ryley Bugay, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, and Jaclyn Sawicki.
Forwards are Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel, and Meryll Serrano. In between the goalposts are keepers Kiara Fontanilla, Kaiya Jota, and Olivia McDaniel.
Named as reserves are long-time goalkeeper Inna Palacios, Maya Alcantara, and Isabella Pasion.
A surprise call-up was Beard, who moved from Australia just last month. Among the notable absentees are Eva Madarang and Jessica Miclat.
“The next weeks will be the culmination of a year and a half of hard work, dedication and sacrifice by every member of our team,” said team manager Jefferson Cheng.
“This group of 23 represents the best of us, the best of the indomitable Filipino spirit, and I am excited to see them make all of us even prouder.”
The Philippines open its campaign in Group A with a match against Switzerland, ranked 20th in the world, on July 21.
The Filipinas then face co-host New Zealand (26th in FIFA rankings) on July 25 before wrapping up the group stage against world No. 12 Norway on July 30.
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