Filipinas bounce back, pip Peruvians

The women’s national football team bounced back from an opening setback as it beat hosts Peru, 2-0, in their second friendly at the La Videnita de Chincha in Chincha Alta on Wednesday.

Camryn Penn scored her first international goal in the 20th minute before Mallie Ramirez doubled the lead in the 42nd for her fourth goal for the Filipinas, who are preparing for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Dionesa Tolentin set up both goals with dangerous crosses from the right as the Filipinas wrapped up their two-game friendly series with an even 1-1 win-loss record.

The Filipinas lost the opening match, 1-2, but finished the camp with a victory as head coach Mark Torcaso continues to assess players ahead of the global tournament.

“Every camp and every opportunity we’ve got is strategically organized in a way that will ensure we’re ready for this World Cup,” Torcaso said.

“I want to make sure that we give everyone an opportunity to be part of this World Cup, and I don’t want to miss out on anyone. Every player, regardless of whether you’re in the Philippines, playing in Myanmar, or playing somewhere in Europe, I want to give everyone a chance.”

The Peru camp and succeeding friendlies are part of the Filipinas’ push to reach the knockout stage in their second World Cup appearance after falling short in New Zealand in 2023.

The Philippines won one match in its debut campaign -- a 1-0 victory over New Zealand, but still failed to advance from the group stage.

“We won one game. We just missed out, obviously, on qualifying,” Torcaso said.

“Our aim is to try and get out of the group, and we need to have the best players ready for that.”