Pinay booters booked for Asian Games and AFC Olympic Qualifying tourney

WHILE enjoying a well-deserved breather and the adulation of Pinoy fans in comfy Manila, the Filipinas are ready to get back to work soon and go through another round of tough training with two major competitions on the horizon.

On the heels of their historic stint in the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WC), the Pinay booters are booked for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September and the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in October in Australia.

“Next order of business is (to) regroup, refocus on what’s coming up,” goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel said after the team’s motorcade and meet and greet activity in BGC in Taguig Saturday.

“And if any one of us gets a call, we’ll be happy to answer and be able to play for our flag and country.”

The Filipinas, who marked their amazing WC debut with a milestone 1-0 win over host New Zealand, are taking part in the Asiad for the first time. They’re grouped with South Korea, Hong Kong and Myanmar in Pool E in the Sept. 19 to Oct. 7 Continental meet.

Afterwards, it’s back to the field, this time for the second-round hostilities in the race for seats to the Paris Olympiad. The Filipinas are bunched with Australia, Chinese-Taipei and Iran in Group A play in Perth from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1.

For now, though, the Philippines’ pride is savoring time with families and kababayans (countrymen), away from the intense atmosphere they had been in pre-World Cup.

“It was a very long 18 months…so for now, we’re definitely resting and getting our bearings again, visiting our fans and loved ones, trying to fill up our cups here and also at home,” said co-skipper Hali Long.

“(At the same time) Just getting our minds, bodies, souls and emotions right to hopefully make you all proud again,” she added.

The Filipinas also have to wait for the Philippine Football Federation’s anointed one, who will guide them in their next ventures. Alen Stajcic, the Australian who whipped them into WC shape, left after his contract ended and signed with Perth Glory in his native country.

“We still have our entire team. We still have our core values, everything,” said midfielder Quinley Quezada. “We’re excited for who our new coach will be and I’m just excited to move forward.” — Olmin Leyba