The Philippine women’s national football team, known as the Filipinas, secured a resounding victory over the United Arab Emirates in a friendly match held at the UAE Football Association Headquarters. The match ended with a score of 4-1 in favor of the Filipinas, marking a strong start to their Dubai camp.
Key Match Details
- Scoring: The Filipinas opened the scoring with skipper Hali Long heading in from a free kick just eight minutes into the game. Chandler McDaniel doubled the lead in the 19th minute, while Meryll Serrano made it 3-0 with a classy effort just after the half-hour mark. McDaniel then secured her second goal, sending the Filipinas into halftime with a commanding 4-0 lead.
- Debuts: In the second half, Head Coach Mark Torcaso introduced newcomers Paige McSwigan and Aliana Weibel, handing them their international debuts for the Philippines. McSwigan is from the University of North Florida, and Weibel is from Kent State University.
- UAE’s Late Response: The UAE managed to pull one goal back late in the game, which prevented the Filipinas from achieving a clean sheet. However, this did not dampen Coach Torcaso’s spirits, as he was pleased with the team’s overall performance.
Coaching Perspective
According to Coach Mark Torcaso, the implementation of the team’s playing style was crucial in this match. He emphasized that all four goals scored by the Filipinas aligned with their desired approach to the game. Coach Torcaso noted, “That we were able to implement the playing style was very important to us. This was our first official international match of the year, so it was important for us to score goals, but also to build the playing style.” He further stated that the goal is to build this momentum into future games, especially the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Upcoming Challenges
The Filipinas are set to face the UAE again on April 8, with Coach Torcaso anticipating a tougher match. “Now, they know how we play,” he said, “But it’s important for us to have that challenge.” This Dubai camp is part of the team’s broader preparation for several important tournaments this year, including the MSIG Serenity Cup, Asian Cup qualifiers, and the Southeast Asian Games.
Important Concepts
- Strong Team Performance: The Filipinas showcased their depth and attacking prowess with a 4-0 lead at halftime.
- International Debuts: New players like Paige McSwigan and Aliana Weibel joined the team, marking the introduction of fresh talent.
- Tactical Success: The team’s ability to implement their playing style was highlighted as a key success factor.
- Preparation for Upcoming Tournaments: The matches serve as crucial preparation for larger competitions, including the Asian Cup qualifiers and Southeast Asian Games.
