Sports execs salute Filipinas

Local sports officials rallied behind the national women's football team following its historic 1-0 victory over New Zealand in the FIFA Women's World Cup on Tuesday at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta lauded the Filipinas' tenacity against the home team that was cheered to no end by more than 32,000 spectators.

Araneta said he is optimistic over the Filipinas' chances when they battle Norway on Sunday at Eden Park in Auckland for a shot at qualifying into the knockout stages.

"They didn't pay attention to the cheers of New Zealand and they didn't give up," said Araneta, who was at the gallery when Sarina Bolden connected the country's first ever goal on the world stage.

"I hope their momentum continues so we would have to rebook our flights. But that's going to be a good problem."

Araneta said another victory will truly cement the legacy of these amazing Filipinas.

"If they make it to the second round, it will be historical," said Araneta, the man responsible for putting the team together with the help of team manager Jefferson Cheng.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino also lauded the Filipinas, noting that the historic win came a day before Hidilyn Diaz captured the country's first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo two years ago.

"It's God's gift. The Filipinas are the underdogs. Chance favors the prepared mind and in the Filipinas' case, the prepared team," Tolentino said.

"Two years ago, on 26 July 2021, at the massive Tokyo International Forum, Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines' first gold Olympic medal. On Tuesday, 25 July, it was the Filipinas' turn to make sports history — they didn't only qualify for the World Cup for the first time, they made an impact."

Another legendary athlete in Philippine Sports commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo agrees, saying that it's time for female athletes to shine in the international arena.

"Ang galing ng Pilipina! It's our first time to be in the FIFA Women's World Cup, the first time our flag was raised and Lupang Hinirang was played and our first win which, ironically, came at the expense of host country New Zealand," Coo told Daily Tribune in an online exchange.

"BBM: Bayani ang Babaeng Manlalaro! Laban lang ng laban!"