The Philippine women's national football team braces for more challenges ahead of its preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as it faces Costa Rica in two friendlies.
First match is set on Oct. 7, Friday, at the Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica there while the second friendly is set on Oct. 11.
Filipinas head coach Alen Stajcic is looking forward to the challenge anew brought by Costa Rica, a nation that already has World Cup experience and currently ranked No. 37 in the world.
"We’ve begun the camp in Costa Rica but it's a beautiful place with such a rich football history and culture," said Stajcic. "Their National Training Centre is amazing and it's clear to see both their love of the game and why they have been so successful lately in both men's and women's international football."
The Aussie mentor is out to get the victory this time after proving that the Filipinas can level with those World Cup-caliber nations such as New Zealand and Ireland.
Stajcic earlier mentioned that the team can actually compete but "they have to win" and there is no better way to test their mettle than playing more friendlies in their buildup for the World Cup.
"It will be a great opportunity for us to play a team with World Cup experience and one that is filled with players with high level passing and dribbling qualities. We are looking forward to the challenge of playing them on their home turf," said the 48-year-old Stajcic, citing that Costa Rica showcases traditional Latin playing style with "lots of flair and excellent technique."
More challenges arise though for the Filipinas after overcoming a few injuries and illnesses the past week in their camp but Stajcic believes that the friendlies will provide a "great test of our depth and flexibility in the team."
Leading 25 players who have joined camp in Costa Rica are team captain Tahnai Annis and vice captain Hali Long while joining in the fray are Sarina Bolden, who was the star during the AFF Women's Championship, Jessika Cowart, Quinley Quezada, among others.
In the team's recent friendly against New Zealand, the Filipinas, ranked No. 53 in the world, absorbed a 2-1 loss after conceding two goals in the second half in California last Sept. 6.