By Romeo Braceros Jr.

Photo: Philippine Women's National Football Team

Before their historic participation in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in August in New Zealand, Alen Stajcic, the coach of the Philippine women's football team, said there was still a lot of work to be done.

The Filipinas turned heads when they reached the semifinals of the Women's Asian Cup of the Asian Football Confederation in 2022.

Stajcic, though, does not want to become entangled in the uproar.

“It’s been an incredible ride and one that I’ve enjoyed. I love coming to work daily for this group, the staff, and the players; it’s a united group,” Stajcic said.

As they are placed in Group A alongside World Cup co-host New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland, the Filipinas have consistently trained and competed with various nations.

In addition to the Kiwis, the Philippines also played friendly games against Costa Rica, Chile, and Papua New Guinea to prepare for its World Cup debut.

The Filipinas also captured the bronze medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi last May, and on July 17, they defeated Thailand 3-0 to win the 2022 ASEAN Football Federation Women's Championship.