Auckland: Philippines may be on a high but head coach Alen Stajcic has warned his players to be prepared for a fighting Norway when the two teams meet in their final FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match on Sunday.
The tournament debutants will go into the tie basking in the glory of having defeated New Zealand on Matchday Two while Norway are still seeking their first win with the European side on one point after two games.
Stajcic said he has warned his players to expect Norway to come at them at Auckland's Eden Park.
“I’m wary of the wounded animal. They (Norway) have taken a hit to their pride and I expect them to come out fighting,” said Stajcic.
“They are (former World Cup) champions for a reason. They have a fightback in them so we have to be ready for that.”
A win for Stajcic's side will mean knockout stage qualification and the Australian paid tribute to his players' resilience and determination.
“It is unbelievable to think that we are in this position. Any neutral person around the world would have not put any money on us to be in this position,” he said.
“To be ahead of Norway in the league table after two matches is almost unheard of from any neutral pundit. We have earned the right to be in that position so that gives me a lot of belief and confidence.”
“They (the Filipinas) have earned the right to feel like that, in this position to feel confident and that they can put points on the board.”
No comments:
Post a Comment