![Australian coach Alen Stajcic and defender Jessika Cowart (right) at the pre-match press conference. [contributed photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pre-matchconferencepix-400x200.jpg)
The upset-conscious Filipinas are excited but unfazed as they tackle the fancied Grasshoppers on Sunday, July 30, for a coveted place in the next round at the close of thrilling Group A play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park.
![Coach Alen Stajcic shares his thoughts after the Filipinas’ workout at Olympic Park in Auckland. [contributed photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/workoutpix-400x200.jpg)
Australian coach Alen Stajcic is wary of a “wounded” Norway as the Filipinas battle the European powerhouse on Sunday, July 30, for a spot in the knockout round at the climax of Group A action in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Eden Park.
![Goalie Olivia McDaniel (left) leads the other Filipinas in saluting the crowd after their upset of the Ferns. With her are: Sofia Harrison (second from left), Ryley Bugay, Isabella Flanigan and Quinley Quezada. [contributed photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/filipinassalutecrowdpix-400x200.jpg)
Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and midfielder Tahnai Annis were both asked what Filipino word came to mind in describing the Filipinas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup monumental 1-0 upset of the Ferns in front of a packed hometown crowd at the Wellington Stadium on Tuesday (July 25) night.
![POC President Bambol Tolentino [POC Photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/POC-2020-election-President-Rep.Abraham-Bambol-Tolentino02_roy-domingo-400x200.jpg)
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino heaped praises for the national team’s stunning victory over New Zealand at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Tuesday, July 25, saying God’s hand continues to touch Filipino athletes as they battle odds on the global arena.
![Sarina Bolden exults after scoring the winning header against New Zealand. Joining her in the celebration is teammate Sofia Harrision. [contributed photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/boldenheaderpix-400x200.jpg)
In front of a stunned packed crowd 32,357 of mostly hometown fans at the Sky Stadium, the Filipinas pulled the rugged from the under the fancied Ferns, 1-0, on Tuesday, July 25.
![Filipinas PH national team [contributed photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FILIPINAS1-400x200.jpg)
Tuning out the hometown crowd and being totally focused on their foes are what Australian coach Alan Stajcic and striker Katrina Guillou said they require for the Filipinas to prevail over the Ferns in their pivotal FIFA Women’s World Cup Group A match at the Sky Stadium.
![Katrina Guillou (right) stalks a Swiss player. [contributed photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/guilloupix-400x200.jpg)
Despite a 0-2 loss to Switzerland in their history-making first match in the Group A of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Dunedin on Friday, July 21, the Filipinas stayed upbeat and are looking forward to their virtually must-win match against host New Zealand on Tuesday, July 25, in Wellington.
Switzerland capitalized on the Philippines’ critical defensive lapses in each half to fashion a well-earned 2-0 triumph on Friday, July 21, in the first match in Group between the two sides in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
![Miriam Merlin, former PH player [contributed photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/yamipix2-scaled-e1689906827277-400x200.jpg)
For the love of the beautiful game and spending on her own, former national player, Miriam Merlin, endured a taxing 23-hour plane journey just to show her support for the Filipinas making their debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup here.
![Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic (right) is greeted as the national women's football team arrives at the Dunedin International Airport on the even of their first FIFA Women's World Cup Group A match against Switzerland. [contributed photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/filipinasindunedin-400x200.jpg)
The Filipinas will make their highly-awaited debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Friday, July 21, opening their campaign in Group A against Switzerland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium under expected nippy weather in Dunedin.