Philippines Made Double History in Women's Football

 

The Philippine Women's National Football Team also known as the "Malditas" made a double history after defeating Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup being held in India. 

 

This is the first time that team Philippines enters into the semifinal of this regional tournament. A historic win that solidify their might as one of best teams in Southeast Asia and now making noise in Asia.

But what makes it special is that their win against Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinal match booked them a ticket to the 2023 FIFA World Cup for Women to be held in Australia co-hosted by New Zealand. A first in Philippine football history.

It was the last penalty shootout kick of Sarina Bolden that sealed the victory of the Malditas and created a double football history for the Philippines.

These double historic feats of the Malditas will surely give them a busy schedules this 2022. 

Provided that the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi will push through, the Asian Games will also be a great venue for the Malditas to strengthen their defense and offense prior to the 2023 World Cup. Therefore, it will definitely be a busy year for this team.

Malditas next assignment is against South Korea in the semifinals on February 3.

At the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup, the two teams had already met in the playoffs for a slot in the World Cup 2019. But it was the Koreans who prevailed and demolished Philippines' chance of getting into the World Cup. 

For the meantime, its not anymore a slot for World Cup as these two teams are qualified for 2023. But their semifinal match is one way step to place them in the finals for the coveted Women's Asian Cup 2022.