WIN or lose, the Filipino fans made it known that they would support their favorite team as they entered a new milestone.
Excitement fills the air as thousands of football lovers gather here at the Optus Stadium to witness the much-awaited live match between the women’s football teams of Australia and the Philippines.
Thousands of fans for both Matildas and Filipinas flocked to the Optus Stadium in Perth from all over Australia to show their undying support for both teams.
“Of course, our very own. Team Filipinas. Win or Lose…Always give it your best shot. It doesn’t matter if you lose or win. As long as we give it the best shot, right? So, do it your best shot! Team Philippines,” according to Atty. Virma Symmons, Philippine Honorary Consul to Perth.
“We’re so excited that’s why we woke up so early. And then yeah, we prepared earlier, and then we just took the train so it will be more comfortable to come in here. And then just looking forward to see most of our kababayans here, ‘no. Because there will really be a lot of Filipino supporters today,’’ Gil Mangoba Chairman, Perth Pinoy Sports Club, said.
Both the Australian and Filipino teams not only showcased their exceptional talent on the field but also united and captivated an entire nation as the Optus Stadium sold out an impressive 60,000 seats echoing with the deafening cheers of devoted fans.
The fighting spirit of team Filipinas was evident in their relentless pursuit of victory throughout the entire game emboldened by the gathering of equally energetic Filipino fans who showed their undying support for the Philippine Women’s National Football Team.
Melissa Aguas, Business Migrant of the Year 2021, shared her excitement about how such an event united and convened the Filipino community from several parts of the country.
“It’s ecstatic. Exciting. We’ve been waiting for this for one month already after I booked 1,000 tickets for all the Filipinos. So, yes, it’s happening. Look. I was excited.”
“Impact for the Filipinos, today, it made us united. From Port Headland to Carrara to Majura, they are here. We are all excited for this and we will be shouting for the Filipinas. Filipinas. Laban, Filipinas! Let’s go work. We got this!” Melissa Aguas, Business Migrant of the Year 2021, stated.
VIP Mayor Terresa Lynes from the city of Gosnells in Perth, Western Australia politely declared her support for the Matildas and shared her delight in seeing the Filipino community making an effort to show their support for their favorite football team.
Filipinas, formerly known as Malditas, suffered an 8-0 defeat as Australian team Matildas aced the game before an adoring crowd of nearly 60,000 fans who watched the live events unfold on Sunday at the Optus Stadium – the third largest capacity stadium in Australia.
Australia is ranked 11th in the world, while Filipinas is placed at 44th, based on FIFA Women’s World ranking.
Despite the heavy loss of team Filipinas, the spirit of the Filipinos wasn’t dampened but instead were still very supportive and encouraging towards the national football team, which explains why Filipinos are the best fans in the face of their unwavering love and encouragement.
The Filipinas will return to action and will aim for a second-best-place finish during a faceoff with the winless Iran side scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m. (Manila time).
The warmth and support shown by Filipinos here in Perth is clear proof that the Philippine Women’s Football Team is getting recognized not just on their home soil but also by our kababayans abroad.
