THE PHILIPPINE Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) clinched a historic victory against Chinese Taipei, granting them a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The PWNFT also advanced to the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup (AFC WAC) semi-finals after the 4-3 penalty shootout on January 30 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India.

In a game that featured missed opportunities and showstopping plays from both sides, the PWNFT had an immense flair for the dramatics. With the contest coming down to penalties after a 1-1 draw, midfielder Sarina Bolden and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel’s heroics sealed the win for the nation.

The PWNFT unleashed its patented offensive aggression from the opening kickoff, particularly through Bolden, who was at the helm of the team’s exquisite movement from the middle to attacking third with great rhythm and passing.

The Philippines’ offensive spacing benefited but ultimately failed to score against a packed Chinese Taipei defense. Some of the best opportunities were at the 21st minute in a near-conversion by Quinley Quezada to Chandler McDaniel and an attempt by Quezada that flew above the goal at the 36th minute.

In spite of a futile first half, Chinese Taipei found some chances with two good looks by Su Yu-Hsuan and Chen Yen-ping in the 16th and 23rd minutes, respectively, which were saved by keeper O. McDaniel.

The Philippines’ stalwart defense led by Dominique Randle and Ryley Bugay contained Chinese Taipei in the opening half, limiting them to only four shots by halftime.

After a scoreless first 45 minutes, the second period saw a gallant offensive effort by the Philippines. In the 49th minute, Katrina Guillou capitalized on a scramble in the box by finding Quezada with a headed pass towards the goal. Quezada then delivered a quick flick of the ball which met the back of the net.

At the defensive third, Randle safeguarded the penalty area by winning one-on-one duels and clearing Chinese Taipei’s chances.

With the PWNFT leading and time running out, Chinese Taipei grew aggressive in the attacking third. Despite the Philippines’ defensive efforts, Zhuo Li-Ping sent the match to extra time via an 83rd-minute equalizing strike.

Chinese Taipei ramped up its offense by putting pressure on the Philippines’ flanks. Nonetheless, O. McDaniel managed to deny Chinese Taipei’s weak side attacks. The Filipino defensive line continued to intercept their opponents’ offensive efforts, thus avoiding corner kicks.

The PWNFT maintained a combative front up until mishaps plagued the final minutes of extra time with Tahnai Annis’ chance denied, Bolden’s kick going wide, and Guillou’s tight-angle shot disregarded. Furthermore, Chinese Taipei’s compact defensive line forced the Philippines to take harmless shots from outside the penalty area.

Despite the abundance of chances to seal the win, neither side could bust the draw—the PWNFT and Chinese Taipei were set for a grueling penalty shootout.

Sara Castaneda and Annis nailed their shots for the Philippines with ease. However, Jessica Miclat and Captain Hali Long missed their spot-kicks. Down 2-3 in the shootout, PWNFT goalkeeper O. McDaniel stopped Su’s penalty and stepped up to convert a penalty which found the bottom right corner and forced sudden death.

O. McDaniel granted an advantage to the PWNFT after saving Li Ping’s shot. Finally, Bolden’s penalty kick met the back of the net and subsequently put the Philippines’ sought-after dream into fruition—the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In reaching the semi-finals, the Philippines achieved its best rank in AFC WAC campaign history, previously placing sixth in 2018.

The PWNFT is set to meet South Korea in the semi-finals after the East Asian powerhouse beat Australia, 1-0. The game is scheduled for 4 PM Manila time on February 2 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India.

Starting XI — Philippines

Long – Captain

McDaniel, O.D. (GK)

Randle

McDaniel, C.B.

Miclat

Bugay

Harrison

Bolden

Madarang

Quezada

Guillou

Starting XI — Chinese Taipei

Wang – Captain

Cheng (GK)

Lai

Pan

Zhuo

Chen

Hsu

Lee

Su S.Y. 

Chang

Su Y.H.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

70’ IN #17 Chi, OUT #10 Lee

72’ IN #6 Annis, OUT #20 Quezada 

79’ IN #14 Yen, OUT #4 Wei 

100’ IN #15 Frilles, OUT #8 C. McDaniel

102’ IN #20 Chen, OUT #16 Chang 

102’ IN #3 Lin, OUT #19 Su 

110’ IN #12 Castaneda, OUT #21 Gillou