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Tag: Filipinas

  • Filipinas keep World Cup dream alive after Japan overwhelms Vietnam

    Filipinas keep World Cup dream alive after Japan overwhelms Vietnam

    A twist of fate and a dominant performance by Japan combined to keep the Philippine women’s national football team’s World Cup hopes alive.


    The Filipinas secured a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup after Japan overwhelmed Vietnam, 4–0, at Perth Rectangular Stadium. The result reshaped the standings among third-placed teams and ultimately opened the door for the Philippines to move forward in the tournament.

     

    Japan’s emphatic victory proved decisive. The four-goal margin pushed Vietnam’s goal difference down to minus-4, dropping them to the bottom of the third-place rankings. That shift allowed the Philippines to remain ahead in the standings and clinch one of the two spots reserved for the best third-placed finishers.

     

    For the Filipinas, it was the final piece of a complicated group-stage puzzle.

     

    The team, coached by Mark Torcaso, endured a challenging run in Group A, suffering defeats to hosts Australia and to South Korea. But their campaign was kept alive by a crucial 2–0 victory over Iran — a result that eventually carried enormous weight when the final standings were calculated.

     

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    Despite finishing the group stage with a goal difference of -2, the Philippines managed to advance thanks to the broader set of results across groups. Uzbekistan also progressed with the same goal difference but with more goals scored.

     

    Meanwhile, two-time Asian Cup champions Japan comfortably topped Group C behind goals from Riko Ueki (21’), Maika Hamano (51’), Aoba Fujino (64’), and Kiko Seike (67’), wherein their commanding performance not only sealed first place in their group but also determined the fate of several teams fighting for the remaining quarterfinal berths.

     

    The Philippines will face Japan in the quarterfinals on March 15 at Accor Stadium in Sydney, with enormous stakes attached to the match. A victory would send the Filipinas straight to the semifinals — and with it, a direct qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

     

    The matchup also carries history. The two teams last met in the quarterfinals of the 19th Asian Games, where Japan claimed an 8–1 victory.

     

    Reaching the semifinals of the Asian Cup would guarantee the Philippines another appearance on football’s biggest stage. Even if they fall short in the quarterfinals, the Filipinas will still have another opportunity through the tournament’s play-in round, where two additional World Cup slots will be contested.

     

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  • Sara Eggesvik remains confident while the Filipinas await their Asian Cup bid

    Sara Eggesvik remains confident while the Filipinas await their Asian Cup bid

    The Philippine women’s national football team kept its AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign alive with a decisive 2–0 victory over Iran last Sunday at Robina Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia, but their journey to the next round remains uncertain.


    Heading into the match, the Filipinas knew only one thing—they had to win.

     

    The result pushed the Philippines to a Group A record of one win, two draws, and no losses, keeping them in contention for one of the tournament’s coveted knockout spots. Meanwhile, the defeat marked Iran’s third straight loss in the competition.

     

    Midfielder Sara Eggesvik emerged as the difference-maker for the Filipinas, providing the breakthrough in the 29th minute during a tense first half where the team pushed relentlessly for a goal.

     

    Positioned near the far post, Eggesvik controlled the ball before shifting it onto her stronger foot and calmly sending it past the goalkeeper. 

     

    The strike initially faced a prolonged Video Assistant Referee review, briefly putting celebrations on hold, before the goal was officially confirmed.

     

    The moment proved crucial for the Philippines, which finished third in Group A after three matches and now waits to learn whether that position will be enough to advance.

    “We came into this game not knowing how many goals we needed, just knowing that we had to win,” Player of the match, Eggesvik said.

     

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    Despite controlling large stretches of the game and creating numerous opportunities, the Filipinas struggled to fully capitalize on their chances—something Eggesvik acknowledged after the match.

     

    “We had a lot of chances, so I think we could have been more clinical. Then we would feel safer about securing that third place. It was important for us to get that goal and take the early lead,” the 28-year-old midfielder said.

     

    The second goal eventually arrived later in the match when defender Sofia Harrison McDaniel found the back of the net from inside the box after receiving a pass from Ariana Markey, giving the Philippines breathing room and sealing the victory.

     

    While the win kept their hopes alive, the Filipinas’ fate now rests on how other groups unfold. In the tournament format, group winners automatically advance, while the two best third-place teams from Groups A, B, and C also move on to the next stage.

     

    “We want to build a good team atmosphere and culture, and bring the right standards and values to this team,” she said.

     

    As the team awaits the remaining results, Eggesvik hopes the Filipinas’ efforts on the international stage will leave a lasting impact beyond the tournament.

     

     

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  • Uzbekistan win puts Filipinas’ AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal hopes in jeopardy

    Uzbekistan win puts Filipinas’ AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal hopes in jeopardy

    The Philippine women’s national football team found its path to the knockout stage suddenly far more complicated on Monday night.

     

    The Filipinas’ hopes of advancing in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup took a hit after Uzbekistan produced a commanding 4-0 victory over Bangladesh in their Group B match in Perth, Australia.

     

    The result dramatically reshaped the race for the tournament’s two best third-placed teams — the final available slots for the quarterfinal round.

     

     

    Uzbekistan entered the match needing a decisive win to stay alive in the standings and delivered exactly that, scoring four times to boost its goal tally and edge the Philippines in the rankings.

     

     

    The decisive moment came late in the match when Nilufar Kudratova struck in the 88th minute to seal the scoreline, a goal that carried massive implications beyond the match itself.

     

     

    That final strike lifted Uzbekistan level with the Philippines in goal difference at -2, but the Central Asian side overtook the Filipinas in the standings thanks to a higher number of goals scored in the tournament, 6 compared to the Philippines’ four.

     

     

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    Despite the setback, the Filipinas are not yet officially out of contention.

     

     

    Their fate now hinges on the outcome of Group C, where Vietnam — currently the third-placed team in that group — will face powerhouse Japan on Tuesday night.

     

     

    For the Philippines to sneak into the quarterfinals, Japan must defeat Vietnam by at least three goals, a result that would push Vietnam’s goal difference down and allow the Filipinas to reclaim a spot among the two best third-placed teams.

     

     

    Vietnam, like the Philippines and Uzbekistan, has one victory in the tournament but currently holds a stronger goal difference of 0, putting them ahead in the standings.

     

     

    The stakes are significant beyond just the Asian Cup knockout stage.

     

     

    A quarterfinal berth would keep the Filipinas firmly in the hunt for a direct qualification slot to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, as the top six teams in the continental tournament will secure automatic entry to the global showpiece.

     

     

    For now, the Philippine squad can only wait — and hope that results elsewhere swing the door back open.

     

     

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  • Filipinas keep AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal hopes alive with win over Iran

    Filipinas keep AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal hopes alive with win over Iran

    The Philippine Women’s National Football Team kept its tournament hopes alive just in time.

     

    Facing elimination, the Filipinas delivered when it mattered most, defeating Iran, 2-0, in their final Group A match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at the Gold Coast Stadium in Australia.

     

    The crucial victory gave the Philippines its first win of the tournament after earlier defeats to regional heavyweights Australia and South Korea, keeping the team in the hunt for a place in the knockout stage.

     

    Sara Eggesvik provided the breakthrough in the 29th minute, putting the Filipinas ahead midway through the first half on a rainy night in Gold Coast. The Filipinas then protected the slim advantage for most of the match before Chandler McDaniel added an insurance goal in the 82nd minute to seal the result.

     

    With the win, the Philippines finished third in Group A with three points and now awaits the outcomes of the other groups to determine its fate.

     

    Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each of the three groups advance automatically to the quarterfinals. They will be joined by the two best third-placed teams across all groups to complete the eight-team knockout bracket.

     

     

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    Those quarterfinalists will also compete for six automatic qualification spots allotted to the Asian Football Confederation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

     

    Goal difference is expected to play a major role in deciding which third-placed teams advance.

     

    At the moment, the Filipinas hold a goal difference of minus-two, putting them in a competitive position among the third-placed teams. Vietnam currently leads that race from Group C with a zero goal difference and one win.

     

    The Philippines’ chances will hinge partly on the outcome of the Group B battle for third place between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, two teams still searching for their first victory in the tournament.

     

    The Filipinas nearly widened their winning margin late in the match when McDaniel found the back of the net again, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review.

     

    Still, the two-goal victory was enough to keep the Philippines’ quarterfinal dream alive as the team now waits to see if its effort will be enough to secure a place in the next round.

     

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  • Jaclyn Sawicki expected back as Filipinas brace for must-win clash with Iran

    Jaclyn Sawicki expected back as Filipinas brace for must-win clash with Iran

    The Philippine Women’s National Football Team could regain one of its key leaders just in time for its most crucial match of the tournament.

     

    Midfield anchor Jaclyn Sawicki is expected to return to action for the Filipinas when they face Iran in their final Group A match of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, after missing the team’s 3-0 loss to South Korea due to a minor injury sustained in training.

     

    Sawicki was notably absent from the matchday lineup on Thursday, with Isabella Pasion stepping into the starting XI while Arianna Markey also earned a start in place of Alexa Pino against the powerhouse Taeguk Ladies.

     

    After the match, Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso clarified that Sawicki’s absence was more about caution than concern.

     

    “Yeah, Jackie got a little knock in training yesterday. She’ll be okay for the next game. She probably could have gotten close to playing this one, but we also have to consider that if we want to get out of the group, we need to have Jackie at her best,” he explained.

     

    “And it was probably just not in the best for her to play this game. But she’s going to be 100 percent ready for the next game,” Torcaso added.

     

    With Sawicki sidelined, the Filipinas turned to younger options to fill the gap in midfield and defense. Torcaso commended Pasion for stepping up in a difficult assignment against one of Asia’s traditional powerhouses.

     

    “Obviously, they’re big shoes to fill because Jackie is a very important player for us. But, you know, Bella pushed really hard. And I think in the second half, we got to see Jourdyn Curran and first what she’s about. She’s a new player to us as well. So they both, you know, did a really good job,” he said.

     

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    Torcaso believes the rest period will allow Sawicki to return at full strength for Sunday’s decisive encounter.

     

    “Obviously, Jackie is a very experienced player and a very important player to our group. But we’ll definitely be seeing Jackie back in the next game. Just more precautionary, probably with her,” he said.

     

    The Filipinas, however, head into that match under immense pressure after absorbing their second straight defeat in the tournament. South Korea struck early and maintained control in the 3-0 victory, leaving the Philippines searching for its first points of the competition.

     

    Despite the result, Torcaso emphasized the team’s resilience and growth, especially among its younger players.

     

    “We don’t like to lose. But the character of our players always shines. And the character of our young players definitely comes on and show the exuberance and the excitement that we need. And that’s backed up by our experienced players,” he said.

     

    “And while, again, it’s not the result that we wanted, we want to obviously be closer and closer to the best teams. It’s also a very good experience and learning for all our players, young and experienced,” Torcaso added.

     

    With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, the Filipinas now turn their focus to Iran in what has effectively become a must-win match. A positive result would keep the Philippines in contention for a quarterfinal berth while also keeping alive its pathway toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

     

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  • Filipinas face do-or-die clash with Iran after losses to South Korea and Australia

    Filipinas face do-or-die clash with Iran after losses to South Korea and Australia

    The Filipinas’ journey in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 has hit a critical juncture.

     

    After a 3-0 loss to South Korea on Thursday at the Gold Coast Stadium, the Philippines fell to 0-2 in Group A. 

     

    The Taeguk Ladies wasted little time in asserting dominance, with Jeon Yugyeong and Park Soojeong scoring within the first 15 minutes, followed by Mun Eunju’s strike in the 56th minute off a corner kick. 

     

    Despite a few chances — including a long-range attempt by Carleigh Frilles and a headed pass from Katrina Guillou to Sara Eggesvik — the Filipinas could not find the back of the net.

     

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    The situation became even more precarious on Sunday, when the Filipinas suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to host Australia. The Matildas’ lone goal further dropped the Philippines to the bottom of Group A, leaving the team without a point and a -5 goal differential across two matches.

     

    With just one group game left against Iran on Sunday, the Filipinas now face a do-or-die scenario. 

    A win is crucial not only to keep their AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal hopes alive but also to compete for one of the two best third-place spots that advance in the tournament.

     

    Coach Mark Torcaso and his squad must regroup quickly, sharpen their finishing, and execute with discipline to bounce back. 

     

    While the Filipinas have shown resilience in previous international tournaments, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, their ability to recover against Iran will define their fate in the continental competition.

     

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  • Mark Torcaso stays confident despite Korea’s strength in Asian Cup clash

    Mark Torcaso stays confident despite Korea’s strength in Asian Cup clash

    After absorbing a narrow 1-0 defeat to host nation Australia women’s national team last Sunday, the Philippines is choosing belief over disappointment as they march into a pivotal Group A duel against South Korea in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Cbus Super Stadium.

     

    The sting of conceding early to Sam Kerr in the 14th minute still lingers. Yet what followed that goal may have revealed more about the Filipinas’ character than the scoreboard did. 

     

    They regrouped, reorganized, and frustrated one of Asia’s elite sides for the remainder of the contest — a response that has become the foundation of their mindset heading into Thursday’s 11 a.m. (PHT) showdown with the Taeguk Ladies.

     

    Philippine head coach Mark Torcaso knows exactly what awaits his squad, “South Korea is probably the strongest team in the competition. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

    South Korea arrives brimming with confidence after dismantling Iran, 3-0, in a display of dominance that saw them monopolize 79 percent of possession. 

     

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    Under head coach Shin Sangwoo, the Taeguk Ladies have blended structure with attacking precision and they are intent on keeping their momentum.

     

    “The players have been training for a very tough match. I think our players have adjusted to the field,” Korea’s head coach Shin said.

     

    The Taeguk Ladies are bannered by seasoned veterans Ji So-yun, who has earned 171 international caps, and Kim Hye-ri with 137 caps, providing leadership and stability on both ends of the pitch.

     

    History favors South Korea, which has won five meetings against the Filipinas since 2018. Still, Torcaso believes his squad gained valuable lessons from its opening match against the hosts. Torcaso remains steady, even energized by the scale of the challenge.

     

    “We had a tough game against the host team in the first round. However, our focus is now on playing South Korea. We’ll be facing probably one of the best and strongest teams in the competition,” Torcaso said.

     

    The top two teams in each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed squads, will advance to the knockout stage. 

     

    The tournament offers six qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    For the Filipinas, Thursday’s fixture represents both a test and an opportunity — a chance to turn resilience into results and keep their Asian Cup campaign firmly on track.

     

     

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  • Filipinas look to bounce back against South Korea for AFC Cup quarterfinals slot

    Filipinas look to bounce back against South Korea for AFC Cup quarterfinals slot

    The Philippine national women’s team is set for a high-stakes rematch as they gear up to face South Korea in a crucial AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 showdown. 

     

    The Filipinas will be chasing a win to stay in contention for a quarterfinal berth, aiming to recover from a 0-1 defeat to host Australia in their opening match.

     

    Coach Mark Torcaso remains confident in his squad’s ability to rise to the challenge. “The one thing that this team’s got is their fight and determination, and they don’t stop. And we saw this in the last World Cup,” Torcaso said, referencing the Filipinas’ historic run in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

     

    His remarks underline the belief that grit and persistence will be key against a technically superior South Korean side.

     

    South Korea enters the match brimming with confidence after a 3-0 demolition of Iran on Monday at the Cbus Super Stadium. Choe Yu-ri opened the scoring in the 37th minute, followed by second-half strikes from Kim Hye-ri and Ko Yoo-jin in the 59th and 75th minutes, respectively. 

     

    Despite the dominant display, Taeguk Ladies coach Shin Sang-woo believes there’s still room for improvement. “I’d like to thank all my players as we achieved victory, but we need to be more clinical, and I am a bit disappointed today. Our players were quite nervous (in the opening stages), because this was our first match,” he said.

     

     

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    The Koreans’ combination of experience and technical skill makes them a formidable opponent. Against Iran, they held 79% possession and allowed only three shots on goal, effectively neutralizing their opponent’s offensive threats. For the Filipinas, exploiting even small lapses in South Korea’s control will be essential.

     

    With both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stage, the upcoming clash is more than just a game—it’s a test of composure, strategy, and heart. Torcaso is counting on the Filipinas’ unyielding spirit to overcome the odds. “We have what it takes to compete with them. Our focus is to play smart, fight hard, and stay in it until the final whistle,” he said.

     

    Thursday’s match promises to be a defining moment for the Filipinas as they aim to turn lessons from the opening game into a statement performance against one of Asia’s top teams.

     

     

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  • Mark Torcaso lauds Filipinas’ fight after tight loss to Matildas

    Mark Torcaso lauds Filipinas’ fight after tight loss to Matildas

    For Filipinas’ head coach, Mark Torcaso, that Sunday night was not about the scoreline it was about the team’s response.

    The Philippines fell 1–0 to the Australia women’s national soccer team, but the narrow margin reflected a performance built on resilience rather than regret. 


    Nearly two years after conceding eight unanswered goals to the same opponent at the same venue, the Filipinas showed just how much they have evolved.

     

    An early 14th-minute header from Sam Kerr handed Australia the lead, threatening to tilt the contest in familiar fashion. Instead of unraveling, the Filipinas steadied themselves. 

     

    They reorganized defensively, matched Australia’s physicality, and refused to allow the match to spiral and Torcaso saw growth in that resolve.

     

    “The last time we played here, it was a lot more than that. Credit to the girls and credit to all the hard work they’ve put in — not only in the last month, but also in the last six months to a year to get to this point where we want to qualify for another World Cup,” the national team head coach said. 

     

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    The fight was most visible between the posts. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel delivered a standout performance, tallying 18 saves that repeatedly frustrated the hosts and kept the Filipinas within striking distance. 

     

    Each stop fueled belief on the pitch, reinforcing that this was no longer a side content with competing — it was one determined to contend.

     

    Australia pushed for breathing room throughout the second half, but the Philippines held its defensive shape with discipline. 

     

    The back line absorbed pressure, midfielders tracked tirelessly, and the team’s structure rarely wavered despite sustained waves of attack.

     

    “They know how to stay disciplined, and that encapsulates what a Filipino is. I’m extremely proud of the girls. We’re ready. The girls are ready to confront South Korea, and we know that they’re a very strong side too,” Torcaso said.

     

    That composure will be tested again when the Filipinas face the South Korea women’s national football team, another heavyweight. But if the narrow defeat to the Matildas proved anything, it’s that the gap is closing.

     

    The result may have gone Australia’s way. The message, however, belonged to the Filipinas, and their coach made sure it was heard.

     

     

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  • Filipinas eye crucial win vs South Korea after gritty loss to Australia

    Filipinas eye crucial win vs South Korea after gritty loss to Australia

    The result may not have gone their way, but the mission is far from over.

     

    After absorbing a tight 1-0 defeat to host Australia women’s national soccer team in their opener of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the Philippines women’s national football team are quickly turning the page—with their sights firmly set on a crucial showdown against South Korea women’s national football team.

     

    A 14th-minute header from Australian star Sam Kerr proved to be the difference in the opener, but the Filipinas showed composure and defensive discipline to prevent the match from turning into a rout. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel delivered key saves throughout the contest, while an offside call denied Hayley Raso a second goal that could have widened the gap.

     

    The narrow margin could play a significant role in the group standings, where goal difference often determines who advances. With the top two teams in each group progressing to the quarterfinals—along with the best third-placed sides—every goal matters.

     

    Head coach Mark Torcaso stressed resilience after the match but acknowledged that improvement is key heading into their next assignment.

     

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    “Obviously disappointed we lost the game, but as I said at the start of the campaign, for us it was all about just fighting right to the end in every single game and I think we saw that,” said Torcaso.

     

    “So I’m pleased with the team that we did that. Obviously we didn’t get the outcome that we wanted, but it’s good for us to keep growing for our next two games and I’m happy with our outcome.”

     

    Now, the focus shifts entirely to South Korea—a familiar regional powerhouse and 2022 Asian Cup finalist. The upcoming clash in Gold Coast looms large, potentially shaping the Filipinas’ path to the knockout stage.

     

    Torcaso expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation.

     

    “We’ve already worked on that as well, also keeping in mind we have to work on this game that we just played,” he said.

     

    “I think we’re ready. I think the girls are ready to confront South Korea and we know that they’re a very strong side too. We just have to take each day as it is and hopefully their recovery is good and they’re ready to go.”

     

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