Filipinas’ head coach Alen Stajcic is pleasantly surprised that his team has a shot at making it to the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
According to the Australian football coach, the Filipinas are aware that they are heavy underdogs in the entire tournament because they are first on the world stage.
“Any neutral person around the world would not have put any money on us to be in this position,” Stajcic said. “It is unbelievable to think that we are (here having a shot at the round of 16).”
“To be ahead of Norway in the league table after two matches is almost unheard of from any neutral pundit. We have earned the right to be in that position, so that gives me a lot of belief and confidence,” he added.
Stajcic said he was “generally satisfied” with the squad’s performance, noting that “the team is in good spirits. Everyone is focused and ready for the challenge that lies ahead.”
“One of the strengths of this team is that we are able to refocus so quickly. And there is a real sense of maturity around this team and around that process that is one of the strengths of this team,” he said.
The mentor of the national women’s football team further emphasized that there is pressure on their part, just as there is on other members of the group in Switzerland, New Zealand, and Norway. They all need a victory on Sunday to advance.
‘Yes, there’s pressure, but if you don’t like pressure, then you should be playing in elite sports. It doesn’t always happen in the World Cup, but this is one of those groups where all four teams can go through to the next round,” he explained.
“All four teams need a result. Switzerland is on top, but they can also lose their spot in the next round, and Norway are in the bottom. If any team wins, they are through. It is a really unique group that shows that it is tight and tough,” he added.
“Since the pressure will be on everyone, we will have to be ready for battle. It will be equal,” the former Australian football team player concluded.
