Women’s World Cup: Filipinas’ Chase for History Starts Against the Swiss

Philippines vs Switzerland

The weight of a whole country is on the Filipinas’ shoulders, as they will attempt to make history here in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, gunning for their first-ever World Cup victory (men’s or women’s) against Switzerland on Friday.

It’s a tall task for the Philippines to make it out of Group A, but they will relish their underdog status in this tournament, so they cannot be taken lightly.

In contrast, Switzerland enter this tournament with high expectations because failing to qualify in the knockout stage will feel like a failure on their part, especially since they’re ranked 20^th in the updated FIFA women’s rankings (compared to the 46^th-ranked Philippines).

So, who will draw first blood in this tournament? Read more below as SBOTOP previews this match.

Talking Points

Who will step up for the Filipinas?

Since the appointment of head coach Alen Stajcic, the Filipinas have been on a remarkable rise, and getting positive Women’s World Cup 2023 results would further validate their progress.

Group A looks to be the most unpredictable bunch in the Women’s World Cup, and the Philippines will aim to use the element of surprise to their advantage even if they don’t have a single player playing in Europe’s top five leagues in 2022-23.

Angie Beard and Sarina Bolden will play a huge role for the Filipinas in this competition. They plied their trade in Australia’s A-League last season, with Beard playing for Western United while Bolden was with the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Beard’s switch to the Philippines is a major loss for Australia, especially after representing Down Under since the U-17 level. Her arrival is a huge boon for the Philippines’ defence because of her defencive acumen and experience playing at a high level.

Bolden, meanwhile, was one of the best players in the AFC Asian Cup last year. Out of the 23 players listed in their lineup, the 27-year-old leads them in scoring with 22 goals.

But the key for the Filipinas is their midfield. Alen Stajcic made the tough decision of not including the likes of experienced campaigners Eva Madarang, Jessica Miclat, and Camille Rodriguez in the squad, but they should have enough to hold it down with Jaclyn Sawicki, Sara Eggesvik, Quinley Quezada, and captain Tahnai Annis in there.

Walti and the Swiss have the weapons

In the WSL last season, Lia Walti was one of the leaders in possessions won (87) and progressive passes (90), and we can expect more of the same from the captain here in the Women’s World Cup.

Switzerland looked to have suffered a huge blow to their Women’s World Cup hopes in May when Walti was sidelined due to an ankle injury. However, she was able to regain her fitness in the build-up to the world showcase.

The Swiss have a unique blend of youth and experience, which will be on display here in this tournament.

Veteran defenders Noelle Maritz and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic will provide depth at the back. Meanwhile, Ramona Bachmann, the second-leading scorer for Switzerland and the player with the third-most caps, will team up with Geraldine Reuteler, one of the most prodigious young attackers in today’s game.

History

Switzerland are about to play their second-ever Women’s World Cup, following their first appearance in 2015.

At the time, their dominant 10-1 victory against Ecuador proved pivotal in qualifying for the knockout stages. In the said match, Fabienne Humm set a Women’s World Cup record for the fastest hat-trick ever (247 seconds).

However, after finishing third in Group C behind Japan and Cameroon, Switzerland were eventually ousted by Canada in the Round of 16 with a 1-0 scoreline.

As for the Philippines, they have qualified for their first-ever World Cup (both men’s and women’s), following their best ever finish at the AFC Asian Cup last year, reaching the semi-finals before eventually losing 2-0 to South Korea.

Only one previous team from the AFC has won their opening Women’s World Cup, which was China in 1991. Both the Philippines and New Zealand can be the second and third teams to do so this week.

Betting Tip 

Switzerland are favoured by the Women’s World Cup 2023 odds, as they are priced at 1.13 to win the first game.

The Philippines are massive underdogs at 10.00, and the chances of a draw are at 7.60 in the 1X2 market. However, even if the logical thing to do is bet on a Swiss victory, we won’t be surprised if the Filipinas give them a huge run for their money.

 

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