Postcard from Asia: 'We're going to Jordan!'
4/11/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Hello again!
Here are my reflections on the Bahrain game:
Before the game we knew that we had to get at least one point (i.e. a tie or a win) against Bahrain in order to qualify for the Asian Cup in Jordan 2018 (which doubles as the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers). This made the team extremely excited and anxious to play.
During the start of the first half, for some reason, we just couldn't get our rhythm. We were playing somewhat frantic and disconnected. Bahrain came out hard and it was obvious that they were determined to go for the win. They had to beat us in order to move on. I think their level of play caught us a little off guard and we lost our control of the game at times. Despite this, we were able to get a few solid shots on goal and started to connect with each other nearing the end of the half.
During half time the coaches told us to settle down and work on moving as a team.
At the start of the second half it was clear that everyone playing on that field wanted to win, Bahrain and Philippines players alike. It was intense and players became more and more aggressive. In the 66th minute we gave up a free kick and Bahrain caught us unprepared as they sent an early lofted ball, in between myself and one of my center backs, which their forward was able to break through and bait our keeper off her line before chipping it into the net.
Even though we were now down a goal, our drive never let up. After the post-goal restart the team had many chances to equalize, but we were playing frantic and rushed because we knew we had to score in order to secure our spot in the Asian Cup. There were a couple times when we thought we had accomplished just that, but one of them was called offsides and the other looked like it could've gone in but wasn't counted by the referees. It wasn't until the 83rd minute, when our outside right back sent a direct long ball to the box which connected with our center forward, ricocheted off a defender and then found the foot of our attacking center mid who chipped it past the Bahrain keeper and into the net, that we were able to level the score of the game. With a 1-1 score, we had our 1 point necessary to move on, but we didn't stop trying to win the game. Every player on our team worked endlessly to try and get another goal. Our forwards and wingers continuously made runs, our center mids kept control of the middle, and our back line denied attacking attempts by Bahrain. I had intercepted a forward pass from a Bahrain defender and cut the call inside and shot. It looked promising but hit the right post! We worked and attacked until the final whistle blew. After that, cheers and screams erupted from our bench because we had just solidified our spot in the Jordan 2018 Asian Cup, a feat never before achieved by the Philippine Women's Football team.
It was such an intense game and to come out with the result we needed to move on was beyond relieving. I'm not going to lie, after shaking the hands of the Bahrain players and coaches and the referees, I cried a little bit out of pure happiness. It was such an incredible feeling to be a part of a team that worked so hard for each other and the flag on our chest. We are going to Jordan.
Next up: Philippines vs. Jordan
Even though we already secured a spot in the Asian Cup, we are still very much fired up for this game. It will give us a good preview of the level of play that is to be expected in the 2018 tournament. Neither Jordan or the Philippines has anything to lose in this game because we are both moving on. Nonetheless, it is sure to be a great game.
Best,
Claire
