Torcaso tickled pink by tough AFC draw

Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso welcomed a challenging draw in the AFC Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the Philippines will face Asian powerhouses North Korea, South Korea and China.

Torcaso said matches against the continent’s top teams will provide valuable preparation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup while giving the Filipinas a chance to pursue a place in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The Australian coach is particularly looking forward to facing North Korea for the first time since taking charge of the national team.

“We’re obviously really excited by the draw. This is a really good group for us because we can really test our players against three of the strongest teams in Asia,” Torcaso said.

“We’ve never played North Korea ever since I’ve been here, and I was really looking forward to having the opportunity to play against them because they’re one of the top teams in Asia and in the world.”

The Filipinas will meet North Korea on 19 April and China on 24 April, with Torcaso viewing both matches as important tuneups ahead of the World Cup.

“Those two games just before the World Cup will potentially be against North Korea and China, and they’re really two good preparation games for us for the World Cup, as well as us trying to get ourselves an opportunity to the LA Olympics,” he said.

“So it doubles up. It gives us two opportunities.”

Beyond the results, Torcaso said the tournament would give the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the players against high-caliber opposition.