Stajcic’s faith in Filipinas unshaken

AUCKLAND — Not even the 0-2 loss to Switzerland a few days back could alter Australian coach Alen Stajcic's belief in the fighting Filipinas side currently competing in the FIFA Women's World Cup.

"Despite the result, we have a lot of belief," reiterated Stajcic on Sunday in their unforgettable Group A opening match last week at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in the chilly southern city of Dunedin.

"We all knew that it was an amazing performance (by the Filipinas) for a debut in the World Cup," stressed the Australian tactician, recalling how his players displayed their poise against the fancied Swiss early on in the match.

"There are so many people who may have questioned how nervous the team was going into the first game, and if they did belong and should be here," he said, "but I think we showed that we belong at this level."

"For a first effort in the World Cup, I really thought our players were amazing. Everyone back home in the Philippines and all their fans should be really proud how they represented the country."

He pointed to the early going when his wards, who are also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, showed great resolve and resiliency in hanging in there against a squad 26 rungs higher than them in the FIFA women's world rankings at No. 20.

"In the first 15 to 20 minutes, I thought we were exceptional and (these) probably were the best moments for us," the Aussie mentor said. "It just shows how well we prepared as a team."

Next up for the Filipinas is host New Zealand on Tuesday in Wellington.

Last time the two teams met, the Ferns carved out a 2-1 win in a friendly in Fullerton, California, almost a year ago.