Filipinas head coach Alen Stajcic is downplaying the favorites tag as they match up against Myanmar in the Southeast Asian Games women's football tournament today, 3 May at 9 p.m. (Manila time) at the Army Stadium in Phnom Penh.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Stajcic said he wants to see the girls evolve in the tournament while also not losing sight of the SEA Games gold medal.
"Vietnam are the favorites to win this tournament. We're just growing at the moment and we know we have a long way to go to catch up. Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar have been strong for a long time," Stajcic said.
"Hopefully, this tournament will show that we've closed the gap even more. Over time we want to keep progressing not just in Southeast Asia and Asia but also in the world."
Marquee names such as Sarina Bolden, Chandler McDaniel, Olivia McDaniel, Hali Long and Quinley Quezada will lead the charge as the Filipinas seek their first gold medal in the biennial meet.
Last year, the Filipinas defeated the Burmese, 2-1, for the bronze medal.