The Filipinas are staying on the right track under Alen Stajcic’s watch.
The Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) reached another milestone when they cracked the top 50 in the FIFA world rankings. To be exact, they are now the 49th best squad in the women’s game. It is a huge development as the buildup for the team's maiden appearance at FIFA Women’s World Cup this July continues.
Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic believes his wards are on the right track in terms of their preparation for the global tournament.
“One hundred percent we’re stronger now [than when he qualified],” he insisted. “We played 26 or 27 A internationals last year, and I don't know any other national team that's played as many games as that or been together as long as we have,” Stajcic said.
The trips to Europe and the Americas that the PWNFT have made have vastly contributed to the progress of each player and the team as a whole.
“Every FIFA window we've been getting together, building on the experience and depth within the team. We now have a lot of flexibility, and we also have six or seven players playing their club football overseas, whereas it used to be just two or three,” the Australian mentor explained.
The team is certainly on course to make more history in the near future. That said, Stajcic is not resting on the improvements they have made. According to the Filipinas’ chief tactician, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
“Results-wise, we’ve been very competitive. Football-wise, we’ve still got a long way to go. There are certain elements of the game where I think we're very, very good, and still improving. And then there are parts of the game where there's a lot of room for growth.”
The Filipinas still have a lot of time. And with their preparations ramping up, that growth may come just in time for the World Cup.