Finland outclassed the Philippine national women’s football team, 4-0, in an international friendly match last Thursday at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain.
Oona Sevenius picked up a hat trick after scoring goals in the 24th, 43rd and 72nd minutes of the game for the world no. 27 ranked Finns.
Eva Nystrom slotted a goal in the 28th minute for Finland, which the Pinay booters will meet in the upcoming 2024 Pinatar Cup.
Also playing in the annual preseason tournament are Slovenia and Scotland.
The Philippines, No. 38 in the latest FIFA rankings, joined the tournament last year but failed to barge into the podium.
With this year’s tournament going for a knockout format, the Filipinas have a chance to make it to the final with a showdown against Scotland on 24 February at 9:05 p.m. (Manila time).
They will play again on 27 February but it will be either in the gold medal match or a bronze medal match depending on the result of their game against the Scotts.
Newcastle Jets forward Sarina Bolden is expected to lead the charge for the Filipinas along with veterans Sara Eggesvik, Hali Long and team captain Tahnai Annis.
Camille Sahirul, Katana Norman and Alexa Pino are also expected to do more for the Philippines after making their debut against Finland.
