FIFA friendly: Sevenius hattrick overpowers Filipinas

The Filipinas fell in the hands of Finland, 4-0, ahead of their 2024 Pinatar Cup campaign on Wednesday, February 21, at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain.

Oona Sevenius delivered a hattrick performance for the 27th-ranked Finnish squad to thwart the Philippine women's national football team (PWNFT), currently 38th globally, while Eva Nyström added a goal.

It was all Scotland from start to finish, with the Southeast Asian side seemingly rusty, especially in the first half, where the nationals conceded three goals.

Sevenius, a 19-year-old striker playing for Serie A club Como, scored the opener in the 24th minute with a left-footed strike before Nyström doubled the lead four minutes later after heading home her goal, courtesy of an Olga Ahtinen corner.

Scotland closed the opening 45 minutes on top by three-nil, with Sevenius' clinical finishing fended off Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel in the 43rdw minute.

PWNFT head coach Mark Torcaso brought Sarina Bolden and Meryll Serrano in the second half to change things up but still not enough to contain the composed Marko Saloranta's side.

The Europeans hammered the final nail in the coffin of the Filipinas in the 72nd minute behind another Sevenius goal.

Statistically, Scotland was the better team, taking 23 shots with seven of those on target while amassing 80 percent of the ball possession.

The Philippines shot four only.

Torcaso and his company missed the service of captain Hali Long, who sat down due to a post-match penalty from a red card she incurred during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Tahnai Annis filled Long's spot, while Camille Sahirul, Katana Norman, and Alexa Pino got their first caps.

There is no time for the Filipinas to get frustrated as they regroup for the Pinatar tilt. This Saturday, February 24, at 9:05 p.m., the Philippines takes on ranked 25 Scotland.

Depending on the results, they will face either Slovenia or Finland on Tuesday, February 27.