DHAKA, Bangladesh - Sophomore goalkeeper
Maria Dela Cruz played her first game for the Philippine National Team on Tuesday, May 21 in group play as part of the 2014 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Dela Cruz started and played the entire game, a 6-0 victory for the Philippine National Team over the Iranian National Team.
"Playing for the Philippine National Team still hasn't sunk in to me," said Dela Cruz. "Walking into the stadium was such a thrill, being able to represent my country, all the family that supports us and the little kids in the Philippines that support us is such an unbelievable feeling.
"Playing in the game, I have never been so hyped up and ready to battle for a country. At the end of the match, I could not stop telling all my teammates how I proud I was of them and I truely meant it. We have all worked so hard and to see it pay off is so rewarding."
Dela Cruz and the Philippine National Team continue in the Asian Cup Qualifiers today against Thailand and against Bangladesh on Saturday.
If the Philippine team wins its group, it will automatically qualify for the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup. The top five seeded teams from the Women's Asian Cup will have the opportunity to play in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.
We Are Your Bengals
