The Philippines have pulled off one of the shocks of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after the debutants had stunned hosts New Zealand 1-0 in their Group A match on Tuesday, with Sarina Bolden heading in the very goal that etched the Filipinas into footballing folklore.
This year’s Women’s World Cup was the first time that a Philippines national team – be it men’s or women’s from any age group – have participated in a FIFA tournament proper and underneath the watchful eyes of former Central Coast Mariners gaffer Alen Stajcic, the Filipinas performed bravely as they went down 2-0 at the hands of Switzerland in their opening group stage match on July 21st.
The Philippines’ second Group A match was against hosts New Zealand at the Wellington Regional Stadium, with the Football Ferns creating a shock result of their own in their first group stage match with a 1-0 win over group favorites Norway.
Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel pulled off a series of impressive saves that frustrated a New Zealand side boosted by the support of a sizeable home crowd, while the Philippines looked sturdy defensively and were devastating on their counters, with one such counterattack leading to Sarina, who plied her trade at the A-League Women with Western Sydney Wanderers, heading in what would become the game’s winning goal in the 24th minute.
Once the referee blew for full time, celebrations immediately broke out on the pitch between players, substitutes, and coaching staffs, while those watching back in the Philippines are also celebrating in jubilation.
“How can you top beating a host nation at a World Cup? It’s number one,” said Stajcic after the game, as quoted from BBC Sport, “It was very emotional out on the pitch, seeing just about everyone crying. It’s unbelievable. When you hear stories of other teams needing so long to win World Cup matches…we have done it in our second match in our first World Cup.”
“You can’t really appreciate how far back in the pack we have come compared to these teams. The unity, work rate and heart from the team was special,” continued Stajcic, “I don’t know if there’s been a bigger win for Philippines’ sport. It has to be one of the biggest wins in the history of the country.”
The Filipinas will fancy their chance of creating more shocks by advancing out of Group A, with last-placed Norway their opponent for their final group match on July 30th.