Philippines pulls off victory over co-hosts New Zealand in Women's World Cup
Jitka Klimkova, Head Coach of New Zealand Credit: Fiona Goodall - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
In a dramatic turn of events, the Philippines Women's National Team upset co-hosts New Zealand to secure a 1-0 victory, marking their first-ever win in a global finals.
Sarina Bolden was the star of the show, scoring the only goal of the match, thereby bringing the Philippines back into contention for progressing in the tournament.
Bolden's breakthrough came in the 24th minute when she scored with a powerful header. Her feat was the first goal by a debut team in the 2023 edition of the tournament.
New Zealand, who were on a high after their historical win against Norway in the opening match, seemed stunned by the Filipina's resilience.
The hosts had their chance in the 69th minute when Jacqui Hand netted the ball following Hannah Wilkinson's cross. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside by Wilkinson.
In the final moments of the game, New Zealand's Grace Jale made a spectacular effort to level the scores, but it was expertly denied by Filipino goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Despite the Ferns' relentless attacks, the Philippines held their ground to secure the historic victory.
Reflecting on the match, New Zealand defender Katie Bowen expressed disappointment, "It's still pretty raw at the moment. It's massively disappointing. I felt we had chances and most of the possession, but we weren’t clinical enough and they wanted it more than us."
New Zealand head coach Jitka Klimkova, shared a similar sentiment, "We played to win today and it didn’t go our way. I saw all our faces – we wanted it. We were fighting to the end, but it wasn’t enough. We were missing a little piece in our execution and that was decisive today."
As the dust settles on this unexpected result, the Philippines can revel in their historical achievement, while New Zealand will look to regroup and regain their form against Switzerland in their upcoming match.
New Zealand Women: Victoria Esson; CJ Bott, Katie Bowen, Ali Riley, Rebekah Stott; Betsy Hassett (Annalie Longo 46), Ria Percival (Grace Jale 83), Indiah-Paige Riley (Olivia Chance 46), Malia Steinmetz; Jacqui Hand, Hannah Wilkinson.
Subs not used: Anna Leat, Erin Nayler, Michaela Foster, Elizabeth Anton, Claudia Bunge, Daisy Cleverley, Milly Clegg, Gabi Rennie, Paige Satchell.
Philippines Women: Olivia McDaniel; Alicia Barker (Tahnai Annis 70), Angela Beard, Jessika Cowart (Ryley Bugay 83), Sofia Harrison, Hali Long; Sara Eggesvik (Isabella Flanigan 63), Quinley Quezada (Dominique Randle 70), Jaclyn Sawicki; Sarina Bolden (Carleigh Frilles 83), Katrina Guillou.
Subs not used: Kiara Fontanilla, Kaiya Jota, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Meryll Serrano, Anicka Castaneda, Chandler McDaniel.
Booked: Angela Beard (49).
Referee: Katia Itzel Garcia
Attendance: 32,257
