The Philippine team is aiming for a swift rebound victory against Iran in today’s game.
Game Wednesday
(Perth Rectangular Stadium, Australia)
The Philippines will face Iran at 3:50 p.m.
The Filipinas have pledged to bounce back from their disappointing 0-8 defeat against strong opponents Australia on Sunday and put up a stronger fight in order to revive their struggling Paris 2024 aspirations.
The determined Filipino women are aiming for a swift win against Iran today (Nov. 1) in order to stay in the running for a spot in the third round of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
“Tough loss. But the hungry futboleras will come back in game 3,” a defiant co-skipper Hali Long said as the second-running Philippines transitions to the all-important Group A wind up against the No. 3 Iranians at 3:50 p.m. at the Perth Rectangular Stadium in Australia.
The Matildas, with six points and a +10 goal difference, are predicted to defeat Chinese Taipei (one point) and secure first place in the group. This will secure their spot in the next round, along with the winners of Groups B and C. The Pinay booters can now only hope to qualify as the “best runner-up” in Round 2.
Unfortunately, due to the significant loss of eight goals, the Philippine women’s soccer team is currently in third place among the second-ranked teams. They have accumulated three points with one win, one draw, and one loss, with a goal difference of -5. In first place in Group B is North Korea with four points from one win and one draw, while Vietnam is in second place in Group C with three points from one win, one draw, and a goal difference of +1.
The Philippines must defeat Iran by a significant margin and hope that it will be sufficient to surpass North Korea and Vietnam in the standings. This will depend on the outcome of their final group matches against Thailand and Japan, respectively.
The top team from each group and the first-ranked team from the runner-ups will progress to two sets of games played at home and away in Round 3. The two winners will then continue on to Paris.