AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Filipinos have come in droves to witness the Philippines’ final group play match in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup against Norway at Eden Park.
With the match on the weekend, Filipinos based here took the opportunity to watch the Filipinas’ bid to advance to the knockout stage.
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Quite a number of Filipinos also came early into the match to purchase Philippines merchandise at the Fifa Women’s World Cup store.
Some more Filipinos flew in here, including national taekwondo athlete Pauline Lopez, to witness the match in person.

“This isn’t my sport. However, because it’s the Philippines, we are here to support,” said Lopez.
Josefina Pantig, a Filipina volunteer for the Fifa Women’s World Cup, said she prayed for a Filipinas victory before heading into Eden Park.
“Talagang gayak na gayak ang mga Pilipino. Ako, bilang isang Katoliko, nag-padala ako ng prayer brigade encouraging our Filipinos to pray. When we won, I prayed again so that we are going to win against Norway,” said Pantig.
More Filipino fans still purchased tickets at the venue in hopes of seeing another landmark moment for Philippine women’s football.
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