Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Monday, July 31 hailed the Philippine women’s national football team or the Filipinas for their historic victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.                     Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara (Senate PRIB Photo)

“Expectations were low for the Filipinas as one of eight debutants in the 2023 Women’s World Cup but they showed the world what a group of women can do if they put their hearts into the sport that they love and played hard for the flag that they represent,” Angara said in a statement. “They were overperformers and I, along with all Filipinos, are filled with pride over what they have accomplished,” Angara said. The senator said the entire country is proud of them who “defied the odds and showed the world that they deserve to be part of the biggest event in women’s football.” The Filipinas were the first Philippine squad from either the men’s or women’s side to qualify for the World Cup, the first among the eight newcomers to score a goal and win a match, Angara noted. They were the lowest ranked team in Group A of the World Cup at 46, which includes 1995 champion Norway (12), 20th ranked Switzerland, and host New Zealand (26). “What the Filipinas did was nothing short of outstanding. They overcame huge obstacles on their way to their historic entry into the World Cup and they have won over new Filipino fans of the sport and the admiration of the international viewers who have been following the tournament,” Angara said. “With their historic debut in the World Cup, I am certain the Filipinas will inspire more children—men and women alike, to take up the sport. The future is bright for Philippine football,” he added. Sen. Pia S. Cayetano, head of the Philippine delegation to the FIFA Women's World Cup, said she is also immensely proud of the Filipinas. “As an athlete, I know games don’t always go the way we plan. But the Filipinas fought ‘til the very end, and for sure, learned many lessons along the way. This team has paved the way for our future players, both boys and girls, to play in the international arena,” Cayetano said. “Moreover, the Filipinas have shown what our athletes can achieve with proper support, training, and exposure,” she said. Cayetano also commend the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), and the coaching staff led by Coach Alen Stajcic. “The Filipinas gave Filipinos all over the world a reason to come together and unite! This is what I am most proud of. From all corners of the world, our kababayans flew in to support their team,” she said.