Philippines stuns co-host New Zealand 1-0 victory to make history at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Jestine Cedric De Leon | Staffer | The OLPSian Times
In a thrilling Group A showdown at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 25, 2023, the Philippines women’s football team showcased their determination to bounce back from a 0-2 debut loss to Switzerland by securing a historic 1-0 win over New Zealand.
The first half unfolded with flair as PH striker Sarina Bolden’s header, perfectly connected to Sara Eggesvik’s overhead pass, etched the first-ever World Cup goal in the Philippines’ football history, giving them a crucial 1-0 lead.
As the second half commenced, New Zealand intensified their efforts, creating several scoring opportunities, but Filipina goalie Olivia McDaniel emerged as the player of the match, making numerous saves and thwarting every attempt to equalize.
In a nail-biting moment, the 20th minute of the second half saw NZ’s Hannah Wilkinson ruled offside by the narrowest of margins, denying Jacqui Hands a potential game-changing goal.
With the final minutes ticking away, New Zealand’s Grace Jale attempted a close-range shot, but McDaniel’s exceptional reflexes ensured the Philippines’ 1-0 lead remained intact.
The triumphant blast of the referee’s whistle marked the Philippines’ historic victory, securing their first-ever World Cup win and establishing them as the first debutant team to secure a victory in the tournament’s 2023 edition.
This momentous 1-0 result bolstered the Philippines’ record to one win and one loss in the group stage, setting the stage for an exciting clash against Norway on July 30.
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