By Justine Juyad

The Philippine Women’s National Football team suffered a 0-1 loss against Wales in their first matchup in Pinatar Cup 2023, held at San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain on Thursday (PH time).

Photo Courtesy of Tiebreaker Times

The 53rd FIFA-ranked team dropped the first of their four games in the invitational cup, failing to pull off a shocker against the 32nd-ranked Welsh.

"We don’t like losing and we’ve spoken about that before but I’m really pleased with what we did tonight," head coach  Alen Stajcic stated after their tight loss.

The Olympics-bound booters defended well in the first half, denying any goal attempts from Welsh for almost the entire half.

However, the goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel failed to protect his post after Kayleigh Green of Wales converted a penalty kick from an unsuccessful challenge of Dominic in the last minute of the opening half.

After failing to draw first blood, the Pinay booters started the second half more aggressive with Katrina Guillou working her way in and had herself a clear shot on goal during the first three minutes of the half. However, the opponent’s keeper managed to keep their net untouched.

The Philippines ran out of time to draw the game resulting in a 0-1 start in the tournament, losing three points to the Welsh.

On the other hand, Wales rose to the top two of the current standing with Iceland at one who also just defeated Scotland, 2-0.

Filipinas will try to get their first win as they square-off with 25th-ranked Scotland on Saturday, February 18.


Edited by Diana Mae Salonoy