Filipinas unite Filipinos worldwide

THE top two officials of the Philippine Football Federation on Monday expressed their pride, and thanks to the Filipinas, the national women’s football team, for uniting the nation and Filipinos worldwide for their memorable and historic outing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Over the course of the last 18 months, the Filipinas united the country in support in their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance,” noted PFF President Mariano Araneta a day after the gallant Philippine side lost to Norway 0-6 to bow out of Group A competition at the Eden Park here.

People react at a live screening of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup football match between Philippines and Norway in Auckland on July 30, 2023, at a mall in Makati, Metro Manila. AFP PHOTO 

“While they may have missed out on qualification to the knockout stages, they have achieved something greater,” Araneta stressed, “and that was to see the entire Filipino community in the Philippines and wherever they are around the world show their overwhelming support to the team.”

“We recognize the hard work and sacrifices this team have made to make our World Cup dream a reality,” the PFF chief and former national team standout added.

“Thank you very much to the entire Filipinas team, led by team manager Jefferson Cheng and head coach Alen Stajcic, you have made the Filipino nation immensely proud of this team. Maraming salamat, Filipinas!” Araneta exclaimed.

Ed Gastanes, PFF general secretary, echoed the same heartfelt and grateful sentiments, saying: “We are amazed on how the Philippine Women’s National Team became a beacon of hope and source1 of joy for every Filipino fan that supported the team during this historic World Cup campaign.

“We have also seen the outpouring of support from Filipinos all over the world as shown in the numerous watch parties in the Philippines and all over the globe.”