A loss for now but victory will eventually come

Norway played its best game so far in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in New Zealand and Australia. Its attacking ability is on full display, while maintaining discipline and teamwork all game long.

It was too bad the Philippines was at the receiving end of such a display of class and firepower as the Filipinas lost to the Greeshoppene, 6-0 at Eden Park in Auckland in a crucial fixture in Group A.

With their backs literally against the wall, Norway showed why it is a former World Cup, Olympic and European champion with a fluid offense and all-around game to completely dominate the Filipinas in every aspect of the match. More importantly, the team reminded everyone that they are still one of the teams to beat despite a slow start in the tournament.

“We were definitely outclassed tonight, they are such an amazing team.

They moved the ball a lot faster,” Olivia McDaniel, the Filipinas’ goalkeeper said after the game.

Sophie Roman Haug scored a hat trick as she single handedly led Norway in giving the Philippines a harsh reality check. Haug netted a brace,in the 6th and and 17th minutes, before a Caroline Graham Hansen screamer at the 31st minute made it 3-0 with plenty to spare before the half-time whistle. It was also at that point that the Filipinas’ grasp of an extended stay in the second half of the tournament began to loosen.

Three minutes in the final half confirmed the obvious; an own goal by Alicia Barker made it 4-0 for Norway. Four minutes later, it was 5-0 as Guro Reiten joined the scoring fray with a strike from the spot.

Roman Haug scored her third goal of the game in stoppage time for the final score and completed Norway’s massacre of the Filipinas.

The Greeshoppene’s attacking ability was in full show against the Philippines, which was hoping to repeat its shocking win against New Zealand. Instead, the Filipinas ran into a brick wall, literally and figuratively.

Despite the huge defeat, the Filipinas still deserve the love and support of the country and Filipinos all over the world.

It was through their grit, determination and faith that they brought so much joy and pride in a tournament that favors those, who rise to the occasion, buoyed by experience and who can exploit every advantage whether in height, speed and class.

“We learned plenty good from the titans of the sport and you know how powerful they are. All we can do is learn from it, grow and keep moving forward,” McDaniel said.

The Filipinas will exit early in the tournament. But not after capturing the hearts and respect of many, not after putting the Philippines in the football map long dominated by almost everyone else but not them. They were a joy to watch, always the underdog, but never letting go of that dream and aspiration of their kababayans and proving the Philippines knows how to play, compete and even win a game in the biggest soccer event of the year.

“We are definitely going to try and get back here in the next four years. This isn’t the end. We have a lot more in us and we got a lot of tournaments going on for the rest of the year. So it’s not the end so we’re excited to keep going,” McDaniel added.

The Filipinas may lack the height, the speed and experience of their opponents, but they never lacked heart and the fighting spirit. They lost, true, to a formidable opponent, but the real victory can not be measured in the stat line.

Victory may come several years later, generations even, by the next wave of Filipinas inspired by the pioneering ones that laid their hearts and soul in the pitch for three unforgettable games in New Zealand.

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