Philippines’ star Sarina Bolden already eyeing next Women’s World Cup

July 30, 2023 Times Europe

Philippines' Sarina Bolden Women's World Cup

Philippines’ Sarina Bolden in action during the Women’s World Cup Group A match between Norway and Philippines at Eden Park stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, Sunday, July 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Sarina Bolden couldn’t wait to run it back after the star striker and the Philippines finally got a taste of playing in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

“I’m ready for the next World Cup,” Bolden said after the Filipinas’ 6-0 loss to Norway that ended the country’s dream round-of-16 bid on Sunday at Eden Park here before backtracking a bit.

“I’m hoping that we’re able to qualify and we just need to continue what we’ve been doing and [not] change up things too much and continue to learn and grow and trust the process.”

The succeeding years before the 2027 edition will see if the Filipinas can build on the silver linings they got during the course of the campaign that resulted in a landmark 1-0 win over co-host New Zealand in Wellington.

It was in that game that Bolden produced the winner on a header in the 24th minute, making her one of the storybook names of the upset-filled Women’s World Cup.

“Four years is a long time from now, but the process starts now and how we can get better, how can we grow from this, learn from this,” said Bolden. “And I have no doubt in my mind that we’ll be able to be a better team for it.”

For the immediate future, the Filipinas will focus on the Hangzhou Asian Games in September and the second round of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament which they hope to produce results against some of the top teams from Asia and Oceania.

But before that, Bolden will get a well-deserved rest and relaxation, and time to reflect on a World Cup campaign that she’ll never forget.