AUCKLAND, New Zealand – The Philippines apparently had another quality opponent in its build-up for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
And it was no less than three-peat seeking US.
See Guillou, McDaniel still upbeat about Filipinas' chances in Women's World Cup
ESPN made a passing mention of USWNT competing in a closed-door scrimmage match against the Filipinas during its report following the reigning champion’s win over Vietnam on Saturday.
Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic alluded to this fact during the pre-match press conference against Switzerland in which they played a “really high-profile nation” aside from their tiff against Sweden in their preparation for the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
The ESPN report said Savannah DeMelo made a surprise start at midfield as per suggestion by USA coach Vlatko Andonovski due to her performance in the scrimmage against the Filipinas.
With the ESPN revelation, it meant that the Philippines had played two of the top three nations in the world based on Fifa rankings – USA and Sweden.
The Filipinas lost to Sweden, 5-1, in a closed door match in New Zealand days before they made their debut against Switzerland.
The United States opened their bid for a three-peat in the Fifa Women’s World Cup with a 3-0 win over Vietnam with Sophia Smith scoring two goals in the contest.
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