On Tuesday, the Philippines won their first World Cup game ever, defeating co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 courtesy to a header by Sarina Bolden in the first half.
In front of 32,357 fans in Wellington, New Zealand had many second-half scoring opportunities and a goal disallowed, but the Philippines held on for a historic victory.
It was the Philippines’ first win in a World Cup of any kind, male or female, and it completely shakes up Group A.
Sara Eggesvik, a midfielder, was overcome with emotion as she exclaimed, “I can’t believe what we have achieved.” “This demonstrates that great things are within reach.”
On the same day that the Philippines play Norway, New Zealand will play their last group game against Switzerland.
“It’s so heartbreaking for everyone in this team,” said New Zealand’s Czech coach Jitka Klimkova.
The results were not in our favor despite our best efforts. We fought till the very end, but it was in vain.
Philippines head coach Alen Stajcic claimed before their encounter in Wellington that his team planned to “crash the party” of a New Zealand team riding high after their opening 1-0 victory against Norway.
His underdog squad delivered as promised, losing to Switzerland by a score of 2-0 in their World Cup opener.
After 24 minutes, they stunned the home fans with the game’s lone goal.
Bolden outjumped the New Zealand defense and headed the ball at home goalkeeper Victoria Esson, who could only watch in horror as the ball looped over her head and into the net after she tried a parry.
The Philippines, who are rated 46th in the world, 20 spots behind New Zealand, played better in this match than in their opening loss to Switzerland.
In contrast, New Zealand exhibited little of the confidence that ultimately helped them beat Norway and win their first World Cup at the 16th attempt.
Katrina Guillou, a forward for the Philippines, had a chance to make it 2-0 before halftime, but her shot went wide of the post.
As the Football Ferns began to produce more scoring opportunities in the second half, Klimkova substituted in Celtic midfielder Olivia Chance and seasoned veteran Annalie Longo.
Hannah Wilkinson came agonizingly close to tying the game, but her header sailed high and wide.
Her strike partner Jacqui Hand hit the post with a shot and then had a goal disallowed for offside with 20 minutes remaining on the clock.
New Zealand pressed for an equalizer as time wound down, but could not break through the tough Philippine defense.