They’re trying to gain momentum on their way to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Filipinas are about to face a whole new level of opposition at the 2023 Pinatar Cup, to be held in Spain from February 15 to 21. In the Spanish Invitational, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) will face Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, the 32nd-, 25th-, and 16th-ranked teams in the world to date.
The 53rd-ranked Philippine contingent, however, recognizes that much of the competition ahead is an important part of their preparation for the FIFA World Cup, which will take place in New Zealand starting on July 20. Filipinas goalkeeper Inna Palacios explained how they could benefit from taking on the three higher ranked European squads in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain.
“To be able to play against teams like that, it would just give us more insights on how we’re going to approach things going into the World Cup, and I think that would be a key factor,” Palacios said.
The 28-year-old goalie is in the process of returning to PWNFT training for the first time after missing the Australia camp last December. Palacios addressed the situation and sounded excited more than anyone, having the chance to work out with her teammates once again.
“I think it’s more of finally getting to see everyone. It’s been a while. And just starting preparation, finally. First training camp of the year. I’m excited to start it right and just go all for it this year.”
With what we have seen from them so far, we’re not ruling out the PWNFT to pull off an upset at the Pinatar Cup. At the very least, we can count on the Filipinas to put on a spirited performance in all three games.
The PWNFT will open their stint in Murcia against Wales. Their second match will be against Scotland. And lastly, they will go up against Iceland.