The Philippine national women's football team booked a spot in the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
The Filipinas sealed the first-ever appearance of the country in the quadrennial tournament after beating Chinese Taipei, 4-3, in the quarterfinals of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup on Sunday, January 30, in Pune, India.
The Philippines managed to take the lead, 1-0, through a goal by Quinley Quezada at the 49th-minute mark.
However, with at least eight minutes left in regulation, the Filipas lost their lead after Taiwanese midfielder Zhuo Li-Ping fired an equalizer, 1-1, which brought the game to extra time.
Both teams failed to score a goal in the additional 30 minutes of the match, and the victor had to be determined through a penalty shoot-out.
The Philippines emerged triumphant after Sara Castañeda, Tahnai Annis, and Olivia McDaniel each converted a goal during the five attempts of the squad in the penalty shoot-out.
McDaniel, the goalkeeper of the Philippines, also managed to fend off two shots by the Taiwanese squad, who only made two goals in the shoot-out.
Amidst celebrations for their historical achievement, the Filipinas now prepare to face South Korea in the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup on Thursday, February 3, in Pune.
