da premier bet： Alen Stajcic will lead the Philippines in their first-ever Women's World Cup. But who is in their squad?
da lvbet： The Philippines national women's team is set to play in their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup finals in July, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.
A shootout win against Chinese Taipei in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals ended a 32-year World Cup wait for them. Despite missing two of their opening four spot-kicks, goalkeeper Olivia Davies-McDaniel's heroics helped her nation progress to its first FIFA tournament.
After Alen Stajcic was sacked in 2019 by Australia, the Philippines – a team that had won nothing and never qualified for a single major tournament – appointed the Aussie in October 2021. Since then, they have won the 2022 AFF Championship apart from qualifying for the World Cup.
However, in the recent 2023 Southeast Asian Games, they were unlucky to crash out from the group stage after finishing third behind Vietnam and Myanmar on goal difference after the three teams were locked on six points.
Nonetheless, they will look to overcome their disappointment and compete with renewed vigour alongside hosts New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway in Group A in the Women's World Cup.
Who can Grings pick in the World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…
Getty ImagesGOALKEEPERS
Olivia Davies-McDaniel is the number one choice between the sticks for the Philippines. Her heroics against Chinese Taipei in the penalty shootout has catapulted her to a demi-god stature in her nation and will once again be entrusted with the responsibility of shot-stopping in Australia.
Her form will be crucial to the Philippines' chances as she is expected to have a busy time under the crossbar.
Meanwhile, Kiara Fontanilla, who plies her trade with Central Coast Mariners, is likely to be the backup goalkeeper with Inna Palacios as the third choice.
Olivia McDanielFree AgentKiara FontanillaCentral Coast MarinersInna PalaciosKaya–IloiloKaiya JotaStanford CardinalAdvertisementGetty ImagesDEFENDERS
Stajcic likes to stick to four defenders in defence. Alicia Barker and Malea Cesar are the two options at right-back. The latter is 19 years old but already has 28 caps for the national team, highlighting her immense potential.
Meanwhile, Hali Long is the most experienced defender in the backline and has 71 international caps. She might be partnered with Maya Alcantara at the heart of the defence.
Whereas Sofia Harrison is likely to slot in at left-back, with Dominique Randle as the other option.
Jessika CowartKalmarCathrine GraversenOdense QDominique Randle2023 Pinatar CupMaya AlcantaraGeorgetown HoyasAlicia BarkerPacific NorthwestReina BontaSantosMalea CesarBlacktown CitySofia HarrisonFree AgentHali LongKaya–IloiloEva MadarangBlacktown SpartansGetty ImagesMIDFIELDERS
It is mostly four players at the centre of the park for Stajcic. However, sometimes the coach also opts to have two defensive midfielders and a bank of three behind the striker.
Tanhai Annis and Sara Eggesvik are the two most trusted players who are the pivots of the team. Both play in Europe for KIL/Hemne and Por/KA, respectively. Jaclyn Sawicki is also a potent option in midfield, as the 30-year-old has plenty of experience and switched her nationality from Canada to represent Philipines in 2021.
Red Star Belgrade winger Quinley Quezada is most likely to occupy the right flank, whereas Isabella Flanigan can take the place on the left.
Meanwhile, Stabaek's Meryll Serrano is the x-factor in this team, who has four goals in eight appearances. She can be used as a number 10 as she is to be prolific in the attacking third.
Anicka CastañedaMt Druitt Town RangersSara EggesvikKIL/HemneIsabella PasionLebanon Trail High SchoolNatalie OcaLoyola Marymount LionsSabine RamosWoodbridge High SchoolTahnai AnnisPor/KARyley BugayFree agentReinna GabrielCornell Big RedKaya HawkinsonCentral Coast MarinersCamille RodriguezLords FAMeryll SerranoStabækGetty ImagesFORWARDS
Carleigh Frillies and Sarina Bolden are the two preferred strikers for Stajcic. Fillies was born in the United States but has represented the Philippines right from the age group teams since 2016. She has 12 goals in 33 caps and is a crucial figure in the squad.
Meanwhile, Bolden, also born in the United States, caught the attention of Richard Boon, former Philippines national team coach, and convinced her to join the Filipinas. She has made 33 appearances so far and has 20 goals.
Katrina Guillou is another striker who has the potential to be a difference-maker. She sent a highlight reel from her college days to the Philippine Football Federation before the 2022 Asian Cup, which got her selected for the national team. Since joining the team, she has scored 10 goals in 25 appearances.
Sarina BoldenWestern Sydney WanderersIsabella FlaniganWest Virginia MountaineersChandler McDanielFree agentQuinley QuezadaRed Star BelgradeCarleigh FrilliesBlacktown SpartansKatrina GuillouPitea IFAlyssa UbeUP Fighting Maroons