For the Philippine National Women's Football team, they have one mission in the AFC Women's Asian Cup and they just achieve it.
The Filipinas are going back to the FIFA Women's World Cup, after blanking Uzbekistan, 2-0, in the play-in held at the Gold Coast Stadium in Australia last 19 March 2026.
It was a scoreless first half despite chances for both sides, with pressure mounting as a World Cup spot was on the line.
After two close calls in the first half, Angie Beard scored the breakthrough goal for the Filipinas in the 47th minute, converting a cross from Jael-Marie Guy.
Five minutes later, Guy once again assisted in the second goal, this time coming from Jackie Sawicki.
She doubled the lead for the Filipinas in the 52nd minute, knocking down a header from yet another cross from Guy.
Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso praised Guy for stepping up during the big moments, which were vital to their return to the Women's World Cup.
"Even before the game, I told Jael this is your time to shine. And she put in two fantastic crosses that set us up in the second half. There was nothing I said apart from keep doing what we're doing, hoping the young players do something special, Torcaso said during the post-match press conference.
"To have one of our future stars, I think a star on the world stage, play so well in a big game like this and help us qualify for the World Cup is a testament to her and her family. Jael is just one of the number of players coming through our program to be successful for the national team for many, many years," he added.
For her part, Guy said the Filipinas return to the World Cup was a fruit of their teamwork and hard work on the pitch.
"As someone who is younger on the team, this is something I've dreamed about since I was little. Going to the World Cup is something that seems unreachable until it happens. I just feel very excited and grateful," she said.
"None of this wouldn't have been possible if we didn't work together and be confident in each other. I'm just super grateful and super happy and super excited to go to Brazil next summer," Guy added.
Torcaso likewise gave credit to the entire team for their grit and resilience in the tournament.
"To be able to have Angie go high and score and be on the end of it. I told her before the game, this is your game to score. Having the opportunity to have worked with Angie so long, enabled me to make the decision... We know Angie's qualities and I think we took full advantage of that," he shared.
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