THE World Cup-bound Philippines Women’s National Team blew an early lead and lost to Costa Rica, 2-1, in a friendly yesterday at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The Philippines took the opening goal right before halftime after a goal by Carleigh Frilles in the two minutes of added time. Frilles broke away from the Costa Rica defenders and scored inside the box after a well-time through pass by Isabela Flanigan.
In the second half, the Filipinas had a huge chance to double the lead in the 48th minute after being awarded with a penalty from a handball by a Costa Rican defender. Tahnai Annis took the penalty but shot a little bit wide to the left.
The Costa Ricans were very aggressive on offense and had a couple of good attempts but missed its mark.
Costa Rica’s persistence paid off after being given a penalty kick after Jessika Cowart was called for a handball.
Raquel Rodriguez took the penalty and beat Philippines goalkeeper Olivia Davies-McDaniel for the equalizer in the 61st minute.
Gloriana Villalobos scored with a beautiful strike just outside the box in the 68th minute to give Costa Rica the lead.
Cowart had a chance to score the equalizer in the 78th minute after connecting from a corner kick by Annis but her attempt was deflected by Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Solera.
The Philippines settled for a 1-1 draw in their first exhibition match on Oct. 8.
The Philippines is currently rated No. 53 in the world, while Costa Rica is No. 37.
The Philippines and Costa Rica have already qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with Australia, New Zealand, China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, Nigeria, US, Canada, Jamaica, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, England, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland and Ireland.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will run from July 20 to Aug. 20, 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.