Coach Alen Stajcic bid farewell to the Philippine women’s football team on Tuesday, leaving behind a remarkable tenure that will be remembered for years to come. His leadership led the team to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance, setting a new standard for future national coaches.
One moment that stood out for Stajcic was the last match against Norway, where 34,000 spectators attended, with 30,000 of them passionately supporting the Filipinas. This overwhelming support demonstrated that football truly belongs in the Philippines, and it’s a legacy that everyone involved can be proud of.
Stajcic and his assistant, Nahuel Arrarte, had their contracts expire after the Filipinas’ World Cup journey concluded with a 6-0 loss to Norway. Both coaches expressed a desire to explore other options, leaving Team manager Jeff Cheng to search for a coach of similar caliber for the succeeding tournaments, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
PFF President Mariano Araneta praised Coach Alen Stajcic for elevating women’s football in the Philippines and instilling hope in the team. Stajcic’s unwavering dedication to training the Filipinas into a competitive team will always be remembered.
Stajcic’s coaching resume is truly impressive, with notable achievements such as securing the World Cup berth during the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup, winning the bronze medal in the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games, and dominating the AFF Women’s Championship. These accomplishments, along with the team’s continuous climb in FIFA’s women’s football rankings, have garnered well-deserved attention for Philippine women’s football.
The highlight of Stajcic’s coaching career, however, was the last two World Cup matches. In New Zealand, the Filipinas showcased their talent and resilience, defeating one of the co-hosts despite their limited experience in top-level competition. It was a triumphant performance that will forever hold a special place in Stajcic’s heart.
As Stajcic bids farewell to the team, he expressed his gratitude to everyone who has been a part of their incredible journey. He applauded the players for their courage, passion, discipline, and loyalty to the team, the flag, and the country. Their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed and have given hope and inspiration to all Philippine sports fans. Stajcic wished everyone a bright future and looks forward to following the next chapters in their story.
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