OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Philippine football had its very own Neil Armstrong moment last week when Sarina Bolden scored a goal against host New Zealand during the FIFA Women’s World Cup. What made it even more amazing was the concerted effort by the whole team, highlighted by the saves by goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel. That match, some say, was the biggest upset in this world cup.
Having entered as an outsider, being ranked outside the world’s top 50, the expectations of the football community were understandably low. Bolden herself said in an interview that, “No one expected us to win,” adding that, “We’re used to it.” But they became the team that could. Not only scoring our country’s first goal, but winning our first match. I believe this is one of the very rare times a first timer beat the host country in an opening round. We achieved that feat, with the team led by coach Alen Stajcic, one of the best football strategists in the world.
This years’ women’s world cup now has the same number of teams as the men’s – 32. I believe this was the right decision by FIFA, as it highlights the wealth of talent among women’s teams worldwide. The Philippines’ performance is one conversation starter that only serves to highlight how women have powerfully taken their rightful place in the global centerstage of sports. Long overdue, if I must say.
As a sidebar, it’s interesting to note that one of the players, Reina Bonta, is the daughter of Atty. Rob Bonta, the current attorney general of California and the first Fil-Am to hold this elected office. This information was shared by a friend, Magina, a Filipina now based in the US who also mentioned how much it means to US-based Filipino athletes to be given a chance to compete for the Philippines. Amazing how our overseas kababayans continue to find ways to carry and light the Pinoy torch and how home can be where we all gather in one spirit, cheering as one country and people.
What sparks within me is the eternal hope that one goal will once again bolster our faith in Philippine sports and more so, in the untapped, underutilized and often unappreciated gift of the many Sarina’s out there tirelessly waiting for their chance to show that they too, can score a goal for the country. Not only for football, but for the many sports where great talent is wasted and forgotten. Too many sad stories have been told and we have seen saviors here and there that have attempted through their generosity to lead our athletes to amazing victories. But those are far and in between. The untold stories of missed opportunities continue to haunt those who live with regret, knowing what-could-have-been, if only.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is an eye opener. Rather it should be. But the sustainable future of Philippine sports depends not merely on the attention that it periodically gets or on the excitement that it generates when we win against all odds.
The Philippines has to score a goal, not for flag and country, but for every athlete who deserves the win that celebrates their gift and honors their sacrifice. Mabuhay kayo!
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Off the beat: Sharing a medley of remixed classic slow jam songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Playlist:
1. Prince vs Wally Badarou - Let’s Go Crazy vs Chief Inspector; 2. Major Lazer vs Tears For Fears – Lean On vs Shout; 3. Fifth Harmony vs The Police – Down vs Every Breath You Take; 4. Sean Paul vs Dua Lipa - Mad Love vs IDGAF; 5. Little Mic vs Soul II Soul – Bounce Back vs Back To Life; 6. Leona Lewis vs Taylor Swift – Bleeding Love vs Blank Spaces
Visit the link below to listen:
https://www.mixcloud.com/goyolarrazabal/goys-mix-230725-lets-go-crazy-we-won-a-match-in-the-world-cup/
#SuroyPilipinas