Philippines coach filled with pride after Women’s World Cup run ends

Philippines’ head coach Alen Stajcic speaks during a press conference at the Eden Park in Auckland on July 29, 2023, ahead of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup football match against Norway. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

Philippines coach Alen Stajcic said he could not have asked any more of his team despite a 6-0 hammering by Norway on Sunday which ended their Women’s World Cup adventure.

“They are a classy team and they picked us apart. We tried hard all the way to the end and I am proud of the heart and spirit of our team,” said Stajcic after the game at Eden Park in Auckland.

“They fought to the end. From that perspective it has been an amazing World Cup. The players have punched so far above their weight.”

The Philippines came into their final game in Group A fresh from a stunning victory over co-hosts New Zealand, their first ever World Cup win on their debut appearance at the tournament.

Another win against the former champions would have taken them through to the last 16 but they never recovered after Sophie Roman Haug scored two early goals for the Norwegians.

A Caroline Graham Hansen strike made it 3-0 at half-time, and an Alicia Barker own goal coupled with a Guro Reiten penalty meant it was 5-0 early in the second half.

The Philippines had substitute Sofia Harrison sent off before Roman Haug completed her hat-trick, and the rout, in stoppage time.

Despite the outcome, the Philippines players still took the acclaim at full-time of their noisy support, which made up the majority of the crowd of close to 35,000.

“It felt like a home game,” said Stajcic, the Australian who has previously coached his home country at the Women’s World Cup.

“To bring football to life in the Philippines has been a moment you can’t turn back