By ADRIAN STEWART CO 

The Philippine women’s football team faltered in their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup debut after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland at the Forsythh Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand yesterday afternoon.

Ramona Bachmann’s spot penalty kick and a close range connection from Sereina Piubel served as the marginal connections for two-time FIFA World Cup qualifier Switzerland.

The Filipinas converted the first goal of the contest courtesy of Katrina Guillou in the 15th minute, but it was ruled as an offside by the game officials a few minutes later.

Filipinas goal keeper Olivia McDaniel also showed her toughness on the defensive end in the first half as she thwarted at least three shots on goal from Switzerland.

However, Jessica Cowart of the Philippines was called for a foul in the 45th minute that led to the penalty kick connection of Bachmann and gave the Swiss a 1-0 advantage at the half.

In the early part of the second half, the Filipinas struggled to get possession against the dominant Switzerland, with the ball mostly on their side of the court.

Switzerland was able to double the advantage in the 64th minute as Piubel connected with a right foot kick on her third try as her first two tries were foiled by the defense of McDaniel.

The Filipinas showed aggression in the latter part of the second half as they were able to gain ball possession several times, but still could not create a clear attack due to the defense of the Swiss.

The national women’s football team’s closest shot at the goal in the second half came in the 85th minute courtesy of a tough attempt from Sofia Harrison.

The Filipinas’ next game will be against host New Zealand on July 25 at 1:30 p.m. (Philippine time) in Wellington; and against Norway on July 30 at 3:00 p.m. in Auckland.

Matches of the Filipinas can be seen live via Cignal TV’s newest sports application, Pilipinas Live, and will also be shown live on free television via One Sports channel./ASC, WDJ