President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday wished the Philippine women’s national football team the best of luck in their historic appearance in the FIFA World Cup 2023.

The President tweeted a message calling on the Filipinas football team to “break barriers and inspire generations” in their scheduled group match against Switzerland in Dunedin, New Zealand on Friday.

“We wish the Filipinas’ team the best of luck as they make history in their FIFA World Cup debut!” President Marcos said in his tweet.

The 21-strong women football team made its historic debut appearance in the prestigious FIFA World Cup after winning several qualifying matches progressing beyond their group stage in the Asian Cup in 2022. Also known as the ‘Malditas,’ the team advanced further into the semifinals to qualify for the World Cup, marking the first time the Philippines participated in the global tournament in its 42-year history.

“The entire nation stands behind you with pride, watching you break barriers and inspire generations,” the President tweeted. PND