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    Stajcic eager to see how Pinays will respond in match vs New Zealand

    New Zealand is toughest challenge for Filipinas this year, says Stajcic
    Sep 5, 2022
    Alen Stajcic Filipinas AFF
    Alen Stajcic and the Philippine women's football team hope to learn a lot from the match against New Zealand.
    PHOTO: Marlo Cueto

    THE Philippines’ bid to form the best possible team for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup continues with an international friendly against New Zealand, and head coach Alen Stajcic thinks the match-up is just what the team needs.

    Coming off the heels of the conquest of the AFF Women’s Championship last July, the Filipinas are back to work in their training camp in Irvine, California for the match against New Zealand on Sept. 6 at the Titan Stadium in Cal State Fullerton (Sept. 7, Manila time) .

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    Stajcic said the match against the co-host of the World Cup will be unlike no other, but will be a gauge on how the players will respond to tough competition.

    “For us, it’s going to be a massive challenge. They’ve been together a lot more as a national team. Players playing all over the world in New Zealand, Australia, but plenty in Europe and America as well in the NWSL,” said Stajcic during media availability on Monday morning.

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    “Definitely a lot of pedigree in their team. Their technique and tactical awareness have improved over the years and they are going to be a tough opponent no doubt about that,” said Stajcic.

    Stajcic also declared that the New Zealand clash will be the hardest this year.

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    “Probably the toughest opponent we play this year after the Asian Cup. I think Australia and South Korea are a touch ahead of them, but after that, they are definitely the hardest team we are going to play,” said Stajcic.

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      A total of 27 players, most having played in the AFF Women’s Championship, have joined training camp for the friendly led by striker Sarina Bolden and midfielders Tahnai Annis and Hali Long. The Filipinas have already played two friendlies against local clubs, both of which were favorable results.

      “They are doing really well. We have been together for a week. During the time we are not together, they are doing individual programs they need to be doing if they are not in a professional club. Their conditioning is good but it’s been hot here, training has been tough and the two friendly games have been grueling conditions. That’s all training and preparation, it’s important. That will be a good yardstick of where we at when we play a team like New Zealand.

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      Chandler McDaniel has also taken part in the camp after suffering an ACL tear during the Asian Cup, but Stajcic said the forward is still in the middle of rehabilitation and is far from full fitness to play against New Zealand.

      “She is a long way off. She is only five months into her process. She had surgery over five months ago. Return to play after an ACL knee reconstruction is anywhere from nine to 12 months. She is progressing well, tracking well, and rehabbing well, and working hard. But it’s a long process. She is anywhere between four to seven months away from return to play,” said Stajcic.

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      Alen Stajcic and the Philippine women's football team hope to learn a lot from the match against New Zealand.
      PHOTO: Marlo Cueto
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