Filipinas shocks New Zealand for historic World Cup victory
Denzel Jed Gaddi
From the SEA to the world.
World no. 46 Philippines notched a stunning upset against World no. 26 New Zealand, striking its first-ever win in the FIFA Women's World Cup at Wellington Regional Stadium, Tuesday (PhST).
The Filipinas became the first Philippine national football team, regardless of gender, to play in the most prestigious soccer competition in the world. They made their debut last Friday against Switzerland where they suffered a stinging 0-2 defeat.
Sarina Bolden tallied the Philippines' winning goal off a header in the 24th minute, while Olivia McDaniel headed the vaunted defense in the second half to keep a clean sheet.
"We expected it. We knew they were gonna come with a high press, they had so much momentum from their win against Norway so we knew that was coming…but we know, my defense, we handled it well. We handled it as best as we could and that's all we can ask for," McDaniel said.
Throughout the first half, Filipinas maintained a strong gear from which they could have been up by two if not for a wide left attempt by Katrina Guillou late in the 45th minute.
The Football Ferns entered the second half with a different offensive aggression mixed with frustration. It was highlighted by Jacqui Hand's attempt in the 65th minute that striked the post and an offside goal three minutes later which could have knotted the game.
From there, McDaniel's heroics in preserving the cushion proved to be incredibly vital and successful as the Philippine squad erupted into a frenzied celebration.
"We had some luck, but we also earned our luck. For team sports, it would have to be one of the best achievements in the history of the country," PH coach Alen Stajcic said.
They will face world no. 12 Norway on Sunday for a chance to punch their ticket into the round-of-16.
Edited by Rob Andrew Dongiapon
From the SEA to the world.
World no. 46 Philippines notched a stunning upset against World no. 26 New Zealand, striking its first-ever win in the FIFA Women's World Cup at Wellington Regional Stadium, Tuesday (PhST).
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| Photo Courtesy of Philippine Women's National Football Team/Facebook |
Sarina Bolden tallied the Philippines' winning goal off a header in the 24th minute, while Olivia McDaniel headed the vaunted defense in the second half to keep a clean sheet.
"We expected it. We knew they were gonna come with a high press, they had so much momentum from their win against Norway so we knew that was coming…but we know, my defense, we handled it well. We handled it as best as we could and that's all we can ask for," McDaniel said.
Throughout the first half, Filipinas maintained a strong gear from which they could have been up by two if not for a wide left attempt by Katrina Guillou late in the 45th minute.
The Football Ferns entered the second half with a different offensive aggression mixed with frustration. It was highlighted by Jacqui Hand's attempt in the 65th minute that striked the post and an offside goal three minutes later which could have knotted the game.
From there, McDaniel's heroics in preserving the cushion proved to be incredibly vital and successful as the Philippine squad erupted into a frenzied celebration.
"We had some luck, but we also earned our luck. For team sports, it would have to be one of the best achievements in the history of the country," PH coach Alen Stajcic said.
They will face world no. 12 Norway on Sunday for a chance to punch their ticket into the round-of-16.
Edited by Rob Andrew Dongiapon