By Karlo Sacamos
WHILE acknowledging that the Philippines is “generations away” from World Cup glory, national women’s football head coach Ernie Nierras believes he has the team that could make the 16-team field in 2015 and pave the way for future Cup contenders.
“My expectation is to make it to the World Cup,” Nierras said on Tuesday. “I mean we’re not telling you we’re going to win the World Cup. We’re generations away from doing that.
“But at least if we pave the way with these players, we’ll make people believe that women’s football is up and rising and it’s really possible. That’s a lifetime accomplishment already.”
With arguably their strongest lineup ever, the Malditas try to step out of the shadows of the Azkals when they begin the quest for a World Cup berth later this month in the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup Qualifiers in Bangladesh.
Grouped with Thailand, Iran, and the host country, the Filipina booters hope to make an impression in their maiden stint in the qualifying round. Only the winner will gain entry to the main tournament next year, with slots to the World Cup at stake.
The 2015 Women's World Cup is set Canada.
With a bevy of US NCAA Division 1 players at his disposal, Nierras is upbeat on the chances of his team, ranked 83rd in the world among over 170 football-playing nations.
“This is something that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” said Nierras, whose team ruled the LA Vikings Cup invitational late last year. “Putting this team together and really looking at the players I could find in the US. This team will do unbelievable things.”
In particular, Nierras expects Marisa Park to play a key role on offense, while he is banking on a backline anchored on Catherine Barnekow, Sarah Cook, and the coach’s own daughter, Samantha Nierras.
Heather Cooke, another standout defender, is still in the US for a previous commitment, but is part of the 26-woman lineup.
The squad’s strength, though, lies in the midfield, according to Nierras, who will implement the same 3-6-1 formation being used by United Football League squad Stallion, which he also handles.
Skipper Marielle Benitez, Natasha Alquiros, Isabella Fernando, Christina delos Reyes, Patrice Impelido, Aisa Mondero, Inna Palacios, JoEllen Deleon, Joana Houplin, Monika Lee, Katherine Lim, Rachel Nichols, Shelby Salvacion, Jesse Shugg, Maria de la Cruz, Camille Wilson, Megan Jurado, Raylene Larot, Morgan Brown, Chalise Baysa, and Maria Shipe complete the roster.
The Malditas are in the midst of an almost three-week training camp in the country as part of their final preparations. They face Thailand on May 21, Iran two days later, before taking on Bangladesh in the last day of the competition.
spin.ph
I would be surprised if Ernie starts his daughter or the captain. There is too much at stake for nepotism. The players that they recruited are at a completely different level than locally trained players. They did not play much at the Viking Cup so don't expect to see them with a World Cup chance on the line. So before anyone dumps on Ernie, I very much doubt that he ever suggested that his daughter was starting. I would only expect them to play in the third game if they have two wins under their belt already and they have a healthy lead against Bangladesh. (or if they have lost two games). These upcoming games could be the international football shockers of the year and I am eager to see a Filipino team burst onto the big stage. Talking about winning the world cup is ridiculous of course but even moving on to the next round and taking on top ranked teams would be a massive accomplishment for a team that Puma won't sponsor. My prediction for the first game 4-1 Malditas win.
ReplyDeleteDo you mean first game, 4-1 over Thailand? Are you sure?
DeleteIf that happens, Malditas will have 90% chance of qualifying for the world cup as Thailand, along with Vietnam and Myanmar, is one of the strongest contenders for the 5th Asian slot besides the 4 untouchable slots for Japan, S.Korea, Australia and China. (Luckily we don't have North Korea this time, cuz they got sanctioned)
But it seems your prediction came from a kind of ignorance about women's football scene. Iran and Bangladesh are weak and i'm pretty sure Malditas will rout them, but it will never be easy to beat Thailand, let alone 4-1 scoreline.
Its only Thailand who trashing philippines for many many times now you can check the records any way.......this calvo Nierras is full of hype...I remember last year they said they will they will win against asean nations but whats the result ....a very frustrating one thats why PUMA will not sponsor them because they are more on talking .......they did not anything yet....
DeleteFirst game May 21 is against Iran. My prediction would be higher but it is the first game and they have not had any friendlies. Yes Thailand has beaten Philippines many times. It should be an interesting game. Talent and athletic ability against experience and teamwork. If it ends up a tie they might end up scoring 14 goals against Bangladesh and go through on goal difference.
Deleteit needs more than just to import some players from the usa and think to get a slot for the WC...they didn't play much together and didn't play serious matches for preperation....and just because the usa is the dominant country in women football it doesn't mean our imported players are at the same level...you will see that they will lose vs Thailand like usual.....and then the excuses coming again like all odds were against us....
ReplyDeleteWell nobody expects our players who excelled at the US college level to be at the US WNT level. At this tournament, they just have to be better than the Thais, Persians, and Bengalis.
ReplyDeleteYes it would help if they had friendlies but they don't have the PFF or sponsors' funding. They will have to make do with what they have, namely some very good players. If they do get through this round, the PFF will need to tell the MNT that the WNT has proven themselves and that PFF resources are going to be dedicated to giving the WNT their best chance at going to the World Cup. So no excuses. The players have to deliver. Put so many goals in that it does not matter what the ref does or how bad the pitch is. Pilipinas laban
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