We’re always progressing and we’re always reaching high. That’s why we pick an opponent that’s over 30 places higher than us in the rankings to test where we are and I think we can compete at that level if we did everything right.
Philippine women's football team head coach Alen Stajcic wants his wards to keep improving despite absorbing a 1-2 loss to New Zealand in a friendly match at Titan Stadium in Cal State-Fullerton last Wednesday (Manila time).
While he still would demand the Filipinas to win in every game, the former Australia national women's football team said improvement is there as the Filipinas managed to scare the Football Ferns before they took over in the second half.
Sarina Bolden opened the score sheet with a volley near the halftime break before Meikayla Moore slotted home a penalty shot at the 62nd minute for the equalizer.
Ali Riley then added a goal of her own in the 82nd minute for New Zealand and hung on for the victory.
"We're always progressing and we're always reaching high. That's why we pick an opponent that's over 30 places higher than us in the rankings to test where we are and I think we can compete at that level if we did everything right," Stajcic said.
"Certainly, a lot of improvement in us as well."
"So, the best part is that we continue to improve every day. New Zealand is a good marker for us and I thought we matched them. I think there are too many chances in the game either way. So I think it was a fairly contested game."
The Filipinas are still in California for their build-up for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup that will be held from 20 July to 20 August in Australia and New Zealand.
Stajcic said everyone in the 27-player pool has to prove themselves in every match to earn the right to be selected for the roster.
"The lineup is selected from training, previous matches, and players in form get selected. There's not any rocket science there. Anyone who deserves to play is the one who will perform in matches and do well in the training camp," Stajcic said.
"Anyone who didn't pass through will have to fight for that jersey as I've said that as we went along."
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