Head coach Mark Torcaso and the Philippine women’s national football team face a formidable challenge against five-time champion Thailand in the SEA Games 2025 semifinals.
The road to SEA Games gold medal just got steeper for the Filipinas, as the Philippine women’s national football team now set their sights on the semifinals.
After making their second semis appearance in the last three editions of the SEA Games, the Filipinas face the formidable task of stopping five-time champion Thailand — a challenge head coach Mark Torcaso is well aware of.
“Thailand is going to be a tough opponent. I think they're going to be as strong as Vietnam, if not stronger,” Torcaso said.
The hope is that the Filipinas can build on their dominant 6-0 drubbing of Malaysia, highlighted by a hat trick from Alexa Pino, against a Thai squad who are still unbeaten in the tournament as hosts.
“Our players need to stick to the plan, trust in each other, and work together as a team. That’s something they have done really well in this competition so far. We're gonna give our best for the country,” Torcaso added.
The Australian mentor also emphasized the tournament’s value as preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with their schedule starting March 1 next year against Australia.
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“To do it with this group and make it to the semifinals of the SEA Games is outstanding. It’s also special because it helps us prepare for the Asian Cup,” he bared.
But before turning attention to the Asian Cup, the Filipinas must focus on their crucial semifinal clash in Thailand on Sunday, December 14 at the Chonburi Stadium for a spot in the gold medal round.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.