The Philippine women’s football team made history on Monday, qualifying for the first time ever for the FIFA Women World Cup after eking out a 4-3 victory over Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals of the 2022 AFC Asian Women’s Cup.
The win came via penalty shootout.
The Philippines are heading to their first ever Women’s World Cup! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/RqjMTR24Zf
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) January 30, 2022
The game was tied, 1-1, from the 83rd minute until extra time expired, prompting a penalty shootout in which the Philippine team won four goals to three.
FT: Chinese Taipei 1 – 1 Philippines ???????? (3-4 on pens)
Historic. The Philippines are through to the semi-finals for the first-time ever and seal their 2023 #FIFAWWC berth after defeating Chinese Taipei on penalties!#WAC2022 | #TPEvPHI pic.twitter.com/zRyBQipBQ0
— #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) January 30, 2022
The win gave the Philippines its first FIBA ticket in history in either the men’s or women’s division.
Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo congratulated and expressed support for the national women’s team’s FIFA journey.
“Napakalaking karangalan ang dinala niyo para sa ating bansa at tuluy-tuloy talaga ang momentum ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ang mga kababaihan,hindi lang sa sports pero sa ibang larangan pa…Abante babae!” she said in a video message posted on Twitter.
Abante Babae! #LabanFilipinas! ???????? Congratulations at maraming salamat sa ating Philippine Women’s National Football Team (@PilipinasWNFT) for clinching a historic spot in the World Cup❤️ pic.twitter.com/AJ1Wc55MxY
— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) January 31, 2022
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the lady booters’ win was proof that the country’s sports program was improving.
“We won our first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo last July—adding two silvers and one bronze—and then this in football. Filipino athletes have been leveling up and are putting the country prominently on the world sporting map,” he said.
The Philippine women’s football team will face South Korea in the AFC Asian Women’s Cup semifinals on Feb. 3.
The FIFA World Cup will be held in Australia in 2023. John Ezekiel J. Hirro