Bolden, Eggesvik goals send Filipinas to Asian Games quarterfinals

The Philippine women's national football team defeated Myanmar by a 3-0 scoreline to finish 2nd in Group E of the Women's Football Tournament of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

PHOTO CREDIT: Philippine Women's National Football Team

Coming into the match, the Filipinas needed only a win over Myanmar to advance as one of the three best runner-ups, with other results coming their way. Their most recent meeting ended 1-0 to Myanmar at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.

Wearing their red World Cup kits, the Philippines started brightly, looking to score early on. Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada had clear shooting opportunities in the opening minutes, while Reina Bonta and Jessika Cowart also came close, testing Myanmar keeper Myo Mya Mya Nyein.

The breakthrough came for the Filipinas as Bolden drew a foul inside the penalty area, subsequently converting the penalty in the 20th minute.

The Myanmar side was limited to counter-attacking chances, but came close in the 38th minute with Khin Mo Mo Tun spotting Yoon Wadi Hlaing's run which ended in a shot just going wide.

The reigning AFF champions kept piling on the pressure, Bolden with multiple shots hitting the woodwork in the early part of the second half.

A quickfire brace from Sara Eggesvik then put the result to bed. Bolden, who scored early on, became the creator as she headed the ball into Eggesvik's path to tap the ball home after 60 minutes.

After a minute, Eggesvik brought the Filipinas up 3-0, converting on a through ball from fellow Fil-Norwegian Meryll Serrano.

With the result secured, other players were given playing time, with Chandler McDaniel, Anicka Castañeda, Shai Del Campo, and youngsters Isabella Pasion and Natalie Oca brought on.

The result sees the Filipinas advance to the quarterfinals as Group E runners-up behind South Korea. However, they have a tough task at hand as they will be facing 8th-ranked Japan on September 30. The Japanese are looking to defend their Asian Games title, coming in as quarterfinalists at the recent 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.