Meet two of the country’s top midfielders.
They may not be initially included in the Philippine women’s national football team in the FIFA 23, but these two are seen as important pieces in the Filipinas’ FIFA Women's World Cup campaign.
Filipinas’ top midfielders Sara Eggesvik and Jaclyn Sawicki will be put to the ultimate test when they make their World Cup debut against Switzerland.
Although the Filipinas are rookies as far as World Cup experience is concerned, skipper Tahnai Annis likes their chances.
But before that, let’s get to know more about our all-around players.
Name: Sara Eggesvik
Position: Midfielder
Age: 26
Birthplace: Bodo, Norway
Club: KIL/Hemne
Born to a Norweigan father and Filipino mother, Eggesvik made a rousing national team debut in the AFF Women’s Championship last year.
She scored a goal and assisted for the country as the Filipinas captured the championship. The rest is history.
What fans probably don’t know about her, though, is that she’s a medical student. And she’s putting that on hold para sa bayan!
Let ‘em know
“I feel really proud to represent the country, to do something that makes the people happy. I’m glad we can share it with so many people,” she said in an interview with Futbol brew.
Pass the sass
Also, if you want to see her other side, you must follow her on Tiktok. Below is one of her hilarious videos in the said social media platform, where she flaunted her Bisaya skills.
Keep slaying
This highlight video that displays her flair with the ball will make you appreciate her more.
Name: Jaclyn Sawicki
Position: Midfielder
Age: 30
Birthplace: Coquitlam, Canada
Club: Western United
Sawicki, born in Canada to a Polish father and Filipino mother, was eligible to play for three countries. Jaclyn once donned Canadian colors in the U20 FIFA Women's World Cup where she scored against Argentina.
The 30-year-old footballer, who made stops in Sweden, Japan, Canada, and Australia as part of Liberty A-League team Western United, ultimately decided to represent her mother’s homeland.
Let ‘em know
The decision to play for the Philippines simply felt right.
“Even though I had stints with the Canadian National Team and went to an U20 World Cup, I never felt like I grew up in a Canadian home,” she said in a previous interview.
“My mother has been my biggest supporter throughout my career and I was never great at expressing my appreciation for everything she has done for me. So, I guess this was my way of showing gratitude and telling her I am proud to be Filipino.”
Pass the sass
It looks like she loves to spend her breaks from football in her favorite places, with her favorite people.
Keep slaying
If you have yet to watch her play, then this video is for you.
5 days left before the Filipinas make their debut in football's most prestigious tournament. Joining Sawicki in that squad are some of the country's best defenders, forwards, and a couple of fairly new additions, too.
(GM)