Soccer-World Cup minnow Philippines keen to play Ferns in front of New Zealand fans

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group A - Philippines Training - Martin Luckie Park, Wellington, New Zealand - July 24, 2023 Philippines' players during training REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

(Reuters) - Philippines women's soccer coach Alen Stajcic embraces the opportunity to play host New Zealand's Football Ferns at the Women's World Cup on Tuesday, saying the bigger crowd, the better - no matter who they are cheering for.

"Traditionally, being a host nation or home team in any game of football has been an advantage," Stajcic said on the eve of the Philippines' game at Wellington Regional Stadium. "Fortunately, we don't have to play against 25,000 people, we only have to play against the 11.