In a heartbreaking fashion, the Filipina5 suffered a crucial loss against title contender Morocco, 3-2, ending its FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals hope despite having a strong start in the opening round of the match, on Monday in front of a jam-packed crowd at Philsport Arena in Pasig City.
Despite the draining loss, the Filipina5 still managed to cement history as both Inday Tolentino and Cathrine Graversen scored the first ever Philippine goal in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match, a feat that somehow cushioned the pain of a slipped chance to register a historic victory at the global stage.
“We were fighting up to the final minute. We had a lot of opportunities, but unfortunetly didn’t score more goals. At least we were giving it our all to the very end” Graversen said post-match.
Filipina5 drew the first goal, as team forward Inday Tolentino grabbed an early chance to score a historic goal to make it 1-0, fellow teammate Graversen grabbed another goal as she slipped the ball smoothly into the net, putting them 2-0 up within the first 8 minutes.
The scoreboard did not bother the Moroccan players, as they mounted a stunning comeback, scoring 3 goals in 7 minutes to put them in the lead against the desperate Filipina5. Morocco's Nadia Laftah,Sihaam Tadlaoui, and Jasmine Demraoui all scored the goals that turned around the momentum of the game in the second half.
Despite a strong second half-push, the Filipina5 ultimately could not find a way to equalise before the half time ended, losing to Morocco 3-2 ending their Quarterfinal ambition.
“Scoring two goals that fast at the beginning surprised us. We didn’t plan for it and we didn’t know that was going to happen. I feel like we’re not ready for it on an emotional level” the Spanish Coach Rafa Merino said through an interpreter.
The Filipina5 are hopeful to redeem a victory against Competition favorites Argentina in their final group stage match at the Philsport Arena on Thursday, November 27.
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