Philippines defeat New Zealand 1-0 to claim their first victory in Women's World Cup
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Wellington: With their first goal and first victory on Tuesday, the Philippines created history at their maiden Women's World Cup, holding on under duress to shock the co-hosts New Zealand.
The New Zealanders had just five days earlier celebrated their first victory in six Women's World Cup appearances.
In the 24th minute, Sarina Bolden scored the game-winning goal for history, and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, one of the 18 US-born or-based players on the Philippines squad, put in a tremendous effort to prevent New Zealand as they frantically attempted to rally, Associated Press reported.
For the co-hosts of the tournament, the celebration that followed their 1-0 victory over Norway in the tournament opener, which turned a rugby-obsessed nation into one that was instantly enamoured with football, faded too soon.
New Zealand would have become the first of the 32 teams competing in this World Cup to get past the group stage if they had a win over the Philippines.
However, New Zealand was unable to bounce back after giving up Bolden's goal against the flow of play. Before Bolden, a Santa Clara native, scored on the Philippines' first attempt on goal, they controlled 80% of the possession.
In the end, New Zealand had 67 per cent of the possession and had 14 shots on goal compared to the Philippines' three, but they were unable to score either a winner or an equaliser.
Jacqui Hand hit the post in the 64th, and Hannah Wilkinson came close on a few occasions. The worst blow to the home team came in the 68th minute when Hand headed into the goal for what appeared to be a goal after Wilkinson crossed.
However, a review revealed Wilkinson was a fraction offside, and the goal was therefore overturned. McDaniel acted as a sentinel in front of the Philippines' goal for the remainder of the game.
“I’ve got everyone else’s tears all over my eyes, it’s so emotional,” Philippines coach Alen Stajcic said. “You saw how long New Zealand had to wait for its first win — six World Cups — and (for the Philippines) to get it today was incredible.
“We made our own luck but we also had a lot of luck. New Zealand were on the front foot the whole game and deserved something. But football is cruel sometimes.”
After five minutes of extra time, during which McDaniel made two fantastic saves, the Philippines had nothing but delight and celebration when the final whistle blew. They had a large following because there are many Filipinos in New Zealand, but until Bolden's goal, when they cheered loudly, they had been quiet out of fear that they could tempt fate.
Those spectators must have spent a portion of the second half watching through their fingers as New Zealand drove forward on offence and put McDaniel through her paces with shot after shot. In the end, they let their joyful shouts escape Wellington's Sky Stadium and onto a beautiful but chilly night.
After beating Norway, New Zealanders were full of optimism. They were briefly frightened and silent until finally saluting their team. Although unexpected, a loss wasn't fatal. As a consequence of Switzerland and Norway's 0-0 tie later on Tuesday in Hamilton, all four countries in Group A still have a chance to advance.
With four points, the Swiss are in first place, followed by New Zealand and the Philippines who each have three and Norway, who has one.
On Sunday, New Zealand will play Switzerland, and the Philippines will take on Norway.
As a record number of New Zealanders support football and the Ferns, the country's match against New Zealand in Dunedin is sold out, marking the third straight capacity crowd.
“We were dominating the game tonight, we were keeping the ball,” New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova said. “There were too many unforced turnovers. We didn’t see those turnovers in our game against Norway.
“We can be more prepared against Switzerland. The tournament is not over yet — we’ll keep fighting.”
People in New Zealand will not give up. Women's football and women's sport in New Zealand was transformative with the victory over Norway. Another victory can be a game-changer.
Tuesday's revolution was postponed but not cancelled.