THE World Cup-bound Filipinas wind up their hectic season with two friendly matches against Papua New Guinea on Dec. 11 and 15, highlighting their training camp in Sydney, Australia that began recently.
Australian coach Alen Stajcic has called up 23 players to join the camp and play against a Papua New Guinea squad that is ranked No. 50 or three notches higher than the Nationals in the FIFA women’s world rankings, according to a statement released by the Philippine Football Federation yesterday.
“We’ve come so far in the last 11 months but the few months leading to the World Cup will be even more challenging as a group,” said Stajcic. “We have a tough road ahead of us if we want to be the best that we can be in the World Cup.”
“The PFF wants to make sure that the team continues its improvement and the best way to do that is through camps and friendly matches,” stressed PFF president Mariano Araneta Jr.
“It has been a banner year this year for the Filipinas and the team is aiming to finish the year strong as we look ahead to next year’s World Cup,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Ed Gastanes of the reigning Asean Football Federation women’s champions.
Filipinas team manager Jefferson Cheng credited the coaching staff and the players for their hard work and achievements this year.
“I think we had a great year and we hope to end it with great results at our upcoming friendlies,” said Cheng. “And I expect even more commitment, more passion and more hard work from the entire team as we enter the Women’s World Cup year.”
