Officials of the Philippine Football Federation on Monday thanked the country’s national women’s football team for uniting Filipinos worldwide through its historic outing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Over the course of the last 18 months, the Filipinas united the country in support of their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta after the valiant Filipinas lost to Norway 0-6 to bow out of Group A competition at Eden Park in Aukland.
“While they may have missed out on qualification to the knockout stages, they have achieved something greater,” he said. “That was to see the entire Filipino community in the Philippines and wherever they are around the world show their overwhelming support to the team.”
“Thank you very much to the entire Filipinas team, led by team manager Jefferson Cheng and head coach Alen Stajcic, you have made the Filipino nation immensely proud of this team. Maraming salamat, Filipinas!”
PFF general secretary Atty. Ed Gastanes echoed his sentiments.
“We are amazed on how the Philippine Women’s National Team became a beacon of hope and source of joy for every Filipino fan that supported the team during this historic World Cup campaign.
“So much thanks to team manager Jefferson Cheng and head coach Alen Stajcic for a wonderful job in pushing the team to a new level, one that will be etched in sporting history of the country,” he added.
One of eight teams debuting in the biggest showcase for women’s football, the Filipinas, who were also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, made the most of the opportunity by setting new milestones.
The highlight was their 1-0 shocker against the New Zealand Ferns on July 25 at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
Not only was it the Philippines’ first World Cup win, but it also transformed the country into a serious contender for advancing to the knockout round.
They also drew hordes of fans from the Philippines, all over the globe, and New Zealand, making all three of their outings feel like home games.
“It was a memorable day for the players and myself (for each game) and something we will never forget,” said an emotional Stajcic for the enthusiastic support from Filipino fans that went out of their way to cheer for them in Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland.
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