By NIKOLE JAVIER
Despite its painful exit in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Philippine women’s national football team was greeted by a nation filled with gratitude as it arrived back home from its captivating run.
Along with 11 players and eight staff members, Filipinas midfielder Sara Eggesvik and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel arrived on Wednesday night, Aug. 2 from Sydney, Australia while some others will follow suit a few days later.
The Filipinas didn’t leave the biggest football stage empty-handed after claiming their maiden win against the tournament co-host world No. 26 Kiwis.
Sarina Bolden’s header in the 24th-minute of match off a set-piece that Eggesvik rebounded and brilliantly crossed to the “Golden forward” has already been etched in Philippine sports history along with McDaniel, who highlighted the historic goal until the final whistle with a clean sheet of her own.
The Nationals, though, are not only reeling from their 6-0 knockout defeat to world No. 12 Norway, but also from the departure of their mentor Alen Stajcic, who brought them to the grandest football meet.
For Eggesvik, it was nice while it lasted but she looks forward to the opportunities they have ahead in keeping the football visibility in the country.
“I see that as like it’s normal in football that nothing lasts forever. He did a really nice job and we’re grateful that he was with us, and what he has achieved with us. But it’s also maybe a new chapter for Filipino football,” Eggesvik said of Stajcic’s decision to explore other options.
For now, the Filipino-Norwegian was glad to be at the arms of her motherland where they are expected to be honored by lawmakers and other groups.
“Feels really good. It was really a warm welcome and I’m glad people appreciate what we have done. And I’m glad we can come back here and celebrate,” said Eggesvik.
The world No. 46 Filipinas will take a much-needed rest before they regroup and head back to training for their upcoming maiden stint in the Asian Games this September in Hangzhou, China.
