Filipinas back in Manila after historic World Cup debut

The Philippine women’s national football team returned to the country on Wednesday following a historic debut at the FIFA World Cup in New Zealand.

Fans gathered at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to welcome the Filipinas, bringing with them banners and tokens for the team members.

The Filipinas qualified for the World Cup after they defeated Chinese Taipei to make the semifinal of the 2022 AFC Asian Cup.

The Philippines fell 2-0 to Switzerland to open their World Cup campaign on July 20.

But they quickly recovered.

On July 25, the Filipinas claimed their first win as they stunned co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 thanks to a first-half Sarina Bolden header.

It was the Philippines’ first victory at either a men’s or women’s World Cup.

Five days later, the Filipinas, ranked 46th in the world, bowed out of the tournament after losing to world no. 12 Norway 6-0.

Outgoing Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic said he could not have asked any more of his team despite failing to enter the last 16.

“They are a classy team, and they picked us apart. We tried hard all the way to the end, and I am proud of the heart and spirit of our team,” said Stajcic after the game against Norway at Eden Park in Auckland.

“They fought to the end. From that perspective, it has been an amazing World Cup. The players have punched so far above their weight.”

Stajcic hoped that they “have planted the seeds of future generations wanting to become footballers.”