When you think of football powerhouses, the Philippines might not be the first country that comes to mind. Yet, the Philippines Women’s National Football team, affectionately known as the Malditas, has been quietly paving their way in women’s football, going from being underdogs to World Cup debutants.
A Humble Beginning
The Malditas’ story isn’t one of overnight success. Established in 1981, the team spent decades in the shadows of Asian football, struggling to make a significant impact on the international stage. For years, they dealt with limited resources, minimal support, a lack of competitive opportunities, and the still rampant stigma against women in sports.
But as we’ve seen time and time again in football, passion and determination can work wonders. Also thanks to the federation’s choice to recruit players with Filipino heritage from abroad, the Philippines strengthened their talent pool, breathing new life in a team that is now competing against the elite of football.
World Cup Qualification: A Dream Coming True
The year 2022 marked the greatest achievement so far for the Malditas. Against all odds, they secured qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It’s clear this was more than a win. It was a statement of intent, a declaration that the Philippines was ready to compete with the best.
The Road to Qualification
The journey to World Cup qualification was no walk in the park. The Malditas had to navigate through the treacherous waters of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup first. Their performance in this tournament was nothing short of remarkable, as they fought their way to the semifinals.
The Malditas had shown that with the right blend of talent, tactics, and tenacity, even a nation without a rich footballing tradition could dream big.
World Cup 2023: Baptism by Fire
The Malditas’ World Cup debut was an expected rollercoaster of emotions and a chance for the entire world to witness both their potential and the challenges they face at the highest level in three incredible matches.
The World Cup campaign kicked off with a challenging match against Switzerland. The 2-0 defeat might seem disappointing on paper, but it was a respectable showing for the tournament debutants.
Against a seasoned European side, the Malditas demonstrated flashes of their potential, holding their own for long stretches and creating a few chances of their own. This match served as a baptism of fire, giving the team a taste of the intensity and quality required at the highest level.
The second match against co-hosts New Zealand proved to be the pinnacle of the Malditas’ World Cup journey. Sarina Bolden marked her name in Philippine football history by scoring the goal that secured a 1-0 victory. A victory that proved that the Malditas could not only compete but also triumph at this level.
However, the final group match against Norway brought the team crashing back to earth. The 6-0 defeat was a stark reminder that this is just the beginning. While they didn’t progress beyond the group stage, the Malditas became the first World Cup debutants in 2023 to record a victory.
Beyond the World Cup
Asian Games and Olympic Qualifiers
Post-World Cup, the Malditas have continued to test themselves against top opposition, participating in various tournaments and qualifiers.
At the 2023 Asian Games, the Malditas showcased both their potential and their limitations. They started strong with a convincing 3-1 victory over Hong Kong, demonstrating their ability to dominate against teams of similar ranking. This was followed by an impressive 3-0 win against Myanmar, further cementing their status as a rising force in Southeast Asian football.
However, the tougher tests came against regional powerhouses. A 5-1 defeat to South Korea highlighted the gap that still exists between the Malditas and Asia’s elite teams. The quarter-final match against Japan resulted in a heavy 8-1 loss, reminding the Philippines of the work still needed to compete at the highest level in Asia.
The Women’s Olympic Qualifying Asia tournament provided another platform for the Malditas to gauge their progress. They started brilliantly, securing a 4-1 victory over Chinese Taipei, a result that raised expectations. This was followed by a hard-fought 1-0 win against Iran.
The campaign ended with an 8-0 defeat to Australia, one of the world’s top teams.
The Malditas have shown they are more than capable of competing with and beating nations of similar standing, often doing so convincingly. However, when faced with the top-tier teams in Asia and the world, they still struggle to make an impact. There’s still a considerable journey ahead if they aspire to consistently challenge the most skilled teams in women’s football.
Recent friendly matches against Finland and South Korea have resulted in defeats, serving as a reminder of the work still to be done. However, these matches against higher-ranked opponents provide valuable experience and learning opportunities.
The Pillars of Success
While the Malditas’ success is undoubtedly a team effort, certain players have emerged as key figures, their performances crucial to the team’s progress on the international stage.
Credit: Official Facebook page of the Philippines Women’s National Football Team
Sarina Bolden has become the face of Philippine women’s football, and with good reason. Her goal-scoring prowess has been vital to the team’s success, most notably when she netted the historic winning goal against New Zealand in the last World Cup. Her performances have won matches and also inspired a new generation of Filipino footballers.
In defence, Hali Long stands out as a rock-solid presence and a natural leader. Long’s experience and composure have been invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations. Her ability to read the game and organise the backline has been crucial in matches against stronger opposition. Beyond her defensive duties, Long’s leadership on and off the pitch has helped foster a resilient team spirit that has become a hallmark of the Malditas.
Between the posts, Olivia McDaniel has proven herself to be a goalkeeper of international calibre. Her reflexes and shot-stopping abilities have kept the Malditas in many games, often against the run of play. McDaniel’s heroics in crucial moments, particularly during penalty shootouts, have been pivotal in some of the team’s most significant victories. Her confidence and commanding presence provide a sense of security to the entire defensive unit.
Tactically, the Malditas have undergone a significant evolution. Under the initial guidance of coach Alen Stajcic and now with Mark Torcaso at the helm, the team has transformed its playing style. Moving away from a purely defensive approach, which was often needed considering the quality gap with opponents in the past, the Malditas now employ a more balanced tactical setup.