Despite bowing out of contention in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Philippine national women’s football team goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel said this is just the start for the Filipinas.
The Philippines fell to Norway, 6-0, in their final group stage match in the World Cup on Sunday in Auckland, New Zealand.
For McDaniel, the Norwegians just showed their talent during the match.
“We definitely were outclassed tonight,” McDaniel told reporters in Auckland.
“They were such an amazing team, they moved the ball faster and we just weren’t ready for that,” she added.
McDaniel said the loss will be a learning experience for the young team.
“Once again, another night I had my work cut out for me,” the goalkeeper said.
“Such world-class girls coming at us. I mean [Caroline] Graham Hansen, Reiten, they are just amazing athletes. You gotta give it to them,” she added.
“That’s okay, we learn from it. We learn playing against such titans of the sport. That’s how powerful they are. All we can do is learn from it, grow, and keep moving forward.”
McDaniel assured this will not be the end for the national squad.
“There’s a lot more to look forward to. I’m so proud of the tournament we’ve put on. We got our first three points, we got a goal. We can’t really ask for more,” said the goalie.
Their hope?
“We’re definitely going to try to get back here in the next four years. This is not the end for the Filipinas. There’s a lot more in us. We [have] a lot of tournaments this year so it’s not the end. We’re excited to keep going.”
The Philippines ended their World Cup campaign with a win and two losses.
—Justin Kenneth Carandang, with reporting by Ryan Fenix/JMB, GMA Integrated News
