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A man raises a banner during a Women’s World Cup watch party at a mall in Paranaque, Metro Manila on July 21, 2023, for the Women’s World Cup Group A football match between the Philippines and Switzerland in Dunedin. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)

Local sports fans were tuned into Friday to witness the historic debut of the Philippine women’s football team in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Several watch parties were held during the after-lunch encounter which saw the Filipinas lose 2-0 to Switzerland, most notably at Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Pioneer 300.

One Sports, however, encountered technical problems which prompted those who opted to see the game on free television to miss the prematch protocols and the first 30 minutes of the contest held in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The rest of the game was eventually shown without any hitches, with Paolo del Rosario calling the play-by-play while former national team mainstay Martie Bautista providing the analysis.

Philippines players pose for a group photo before the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group A football match between the Philippines and Switzerland at Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin on July 21, 2023. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama / AFP)

Others opted to use the Fifa+ app which allows free showing of all the Women’s World Cup matches, including next month’s final in Sydney, Australia.

Nevertheless, it was perhaps satisfying for everyone to see the landmark game after weeks of concerns if a local broadcaster would secure the rights to air the Filipinas games on TV and online.

Cignal TV was able to secure the rights, and it was only announced early this week the Philippines would have free broadcasts.

The Philippine rights were among the last secured by Fifa before the World Cup opener last Thursday.

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