The Philippines won its first FIFA World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, defeating co-host New Zealand 1-0 courtesy to a first-half header by Sarina Bolden. New Zealand had a number of second-half chances and had a goal disallowed, but the Philippines held on for a historic victory in front of 32,357 spectators in Wellington, New Zealand.
It was the Philippines' first victory in either the men's or women's World Cups, and it blew up Group A. "I can't believe what we've accomplished," remarked an emotional Sara Eggesvik of the Philippines. "It demonstrates that big things are possible."
On the day of the game in Wellington, Philippines coach Alen Stajcic stated that his team aimed to "crash the party" against a New Zealand team that was riding high following a 1-0 win against Norway.
His underdog Filipinas squad, crushed 2-0 by Switzerland in their World Cup debut, kept their pledge. "I've got everyone else's tears all over my eyes, it's so emotional," remarked Alen Stajcic. "You saw how long New Zealand had to wait for its first World Cup victory — six World Cups — and (the Philippines') victory today was incredible."
"We made our own luck, but we had a lot of luck as well." New Zealand was on top throughout the game and deserved to win. But football can be harsh at times."
They stunned the home fans by scoring the lone goal after 24 minutes. Sarina Bolden outjumped the New Zealand defense to head the ball at home goalkeeper Victoria Esson, who could only watch in horror as her attempted parry looped over her into the net.
This was a stronger performance from the Filipinas, who are rated 46th in the world, 20 places lower than New Zealand, than their opening setback against Switzerland.
In contrast, New Zealand lacked the confidence that propelled them past Norway for their first World Cup victory in the 16th attempt. "It's so heartbreaking for everyone in this team," said Jitka Klimkova, New Zealand's Czech coach. "We played to win, and it didn't work out." We fought till the last end, but it wasn't enough."
In the 38th minute, defender Katie Bowen blasted a shot wide to the left, while in first-half stoppage time, co-captain Ria Percival's effort rolled straight to Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel. The Philippines might have led 2-0 at the interval if striker Katrina Guillou had scored seconds before the halftime siren.
Klimkova brought on Celtic midfielder Olivia Chance and experienced Annalie Longo as the New Zealand Football Ferns generated many opportunities in the second half. The 58th minute saw defender C.J. Bott fired a cross into the box, but Hannah Wilkinson, the hero of New Zealand's opening victory on Thursday, headed it over the bar. Wilkinson did well to draw the ball back from the byline and cross for striker Jacqui Hand to head into the net, only for the referee to call it back for offside ten minutes later.
In a frantic end, Philippines attacker Carleigh Frilles scored from an offside position, while New Zealand's Grace Jale was denied from close range by a superb McDaniel stop.
With time running short, New Zealand fought hard for an equalizer but couldn't get through the tenacious Philippine defense. New Zealand had dominated the first 20 minutes. It had 80% possession, 74 completed passes to 11, five early shots on goal, and it appeared that the goals that would propel them into the next round for the first time would arrive.
The game concluded with 67% possession and nine shots on goal to three. McDaniel, a California native, was outstanding for the Philippines, making athletic saves, including two in second-half stoppage time. She was voted the match's MVP.
"It means everything to us," Olivia McDaniel explained. "I think we really put our heads down and knew what was coming at us tonight." New Zealand must defeat Switzerland in order to keep its tournament aspirations alive. Now that the Philippines has accomplished history, it may turn to New Zealand for a change in profile and support for their squad.
"We were dominating the game tonight, keeping the ball," Klimkova explained. "There were far too many unforced errors." Those turnovers did not occur in our game versus Norway."
"We can be better prepared for Switzerland." We'll keep battling till the competition is done." On Sunday, New Zealand faces Switzerland in Dunedin and the Philippines plays Norway in Auckland for a spot in the next level.