Philippine football, the Philippines secured their first-ever World Cup victory with a 1-0 win against New Zealand in Group A.
Sarina Bolden’s 24th-minute header proved to be the decisive goal as the World Cup co-hosts, New Zealand, were left to rue missed opportunities in the second half.
New Zealand, riding the momentum from their opening win over Norway and eager to progress to the knockout stages, started the game brightly at Wellington Regional Stadium. They utilized the wings to launch attacks and piled the pressure on the Philippines, with Hannah Wilkinson narrowly missing a chance just 10 minutes into the match.
However, it was the debutants, the Philippines, who made history by taking the lead with their first-ever goal in the World Cup finals. Sarina Bolden rose above two defenders to head the ball home from close range, beating goalkeeper Victoria Esson.
New Zealand tried to respond before halftime, creating several opportunities down the left flank, but they lacked the final touch. Wilkinson’s header was well defended, and Katie Bowen’s strike missed the target.
In the second half, New Zealand maintained their intensity and had a golden opportunity to equalize when Wilkinson’s unmarked header went just over the bar. The Football Ferns continued to press forward, and Jacqui Hand came close to scoring, but her low strike hit the post and was quickly collected by goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Hand thought she had equalized minutes later with a flicked header from Wilkinson’s cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the build-up.
The Philippines faced a tense finish in stoppage time, with Wilkinson missing another header, and McDaniel making an impressive diving save to deny Grace Jale’s strike.
With this victory, both the Philippines and New Zealand are tied on three points each in the group, with one game remaining. The historic win for the Philippines will be celebrated as they continue their journey in the World Cup.
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