MARAMING SALAMAT, FILIPINAS!

AUCKLAND – Nagpahayag ng pasasalamat ang top two officials ng Philippine Football Federation (PFF) sa Filipinas, ang national women’s football team, sa pag-unite sa bansa at sa mga Pilipino sa buong mundo sa kanilang hindi malilimutan at makasaysayang FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Over the course of the last 18 months, the Filipinas united the country in support in their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance,” pahayag ni PFF president Mariano Araneta, isang araw matapos na mabigo ang PH side sa Norway, 0-6, upang masibak sa Group A competition sa Eden Park dito.

“While they may have missed out on qualification to the knockout stages, they have achieved something greater,” pagbibigay-diin ni Araneta, “and that was to see the entire Filipino community in the Philippines and wherever they are around the world show their overwhelming support to the team.”

“We recognize the hard work and sacrifices this team have made to make our World Cup dream a reality,” dagdag ng PFF chief at dating national team standout.

“Thank you very much to the entire Filipinas team, led by team manager Jefferson Cheng and head coach Alen Stajcic, you have made the Filipino nation immensely proud of this team. Maraming salamat, Filipinas!” ani Araneta.

Sinusugan ito ni PFF general secretary Atty. Ed Gastanes, at sinabing: “We are amazed on how the Philippine Women’s National Team became a beacon of hope and source of joy for every Filipino fan that supported the team during this historic World Cup campaign.

“We have also seen the outpouring of support from Filipinos all over the world as showed in the numerous watch parties in the Philippines and all over the globe.”

“While the team exits from the 2023 World Cup competition, their journey continues. Indeed, the heart and fighting spirit shown by the Filipinas will long be remembered in Philippine football history,” wika ni Gastanes.

“So much thanks to team manager Jefferson Cheng and head coach Alen Stajcic for a wonderful job in pushing the team to a new level, one that will be etched in sporting history of the country,” dagdag pa niya.

Isa sa walong koponan na nag-debut sa pinakamalaking showcase para sa women’s football, ang Filipinas, na sinuportahan din ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), ay lumikha ng kasaysayan nang maitala ang unang panalo sa World Cup makaraang gulantangin ang hometown Ferns, 1-0, noong July 25 sa Sky Stadium sa Wellington.