In a historic moment for Philippine football, the national team secured its first-ever victory at the World Cup, defeating New Zealand with a thrilling 1-0 scoreline in Wellington.
The match witnessed an outstanding performance by Sarina Bolden, whose first-half header off a Sara Eggesvik cross sealed the momentous win for the Philippines.
Philippines stand tall in defense
The Philippines may have ridden their luck at times, but they deserve a huge amount of credit for a brilliant defensive performance, especially in the first half.
Their five at the back meant Wilkinson had much less time and space to get to crosses and passes from her teammates and forced her to get into physical duels, blunting New Zealand’s attack.
They also limited the space New Zealand had in behind, meaning they could not hit them on the break as they did to Norway in the opening match.
There were occasions in the second half where New Zealand did break through, and they were arguably unfortunate not to have equalised from the Wilkinson offside, but it would have been harsh on a Philippines defence and goalkeeper who excelled in a must-win match.
Bolden’s Heroic Header
Sarina Bolden’s heroics were on full display as she rose above the New Zealand defenders to connect with Sara Eggesvik’s precise cross. The perfectly executed header found the back of the net, sending the passionate Filipino supporters into raptures.
This goal not only marked a historic moment for Bolden personally but also etched her name in the annals of Philippine football history.
New Zealand vs Philippines score
| Score | Goalscorers | |
| New Zealand | 0 | |
| Philippines | 1 | Bolden 24′ |
Starting lineups:
New Zealand (4-4-2, right to left): 21. Esson (GK) – 4. Bott, 13. Stott, 14. Bowen, 7. A. Riley – 20. I. Riley (Longo 46′), 2. Percival (Jale 83′), 6. Steinmetz, 12. Hassett (Chance 46′),– 17. Wilkinson, 16. Hand
Philippines (5-3-2, right to left): 1. McDaniel (GK) — 17. Barker (Randle 70′), 5. Long, 3. Cowart (Bugay 83′), 13. Beard, 16. Harrison — 20. Quezada (Annis 70), 4. Sawicki, 8. Eggesvik (Flanigan 63′), — 21. Guillou, 7. Bolden (Frilles 83′)
Resolute Philippine Defense
Following the goal, the Philippines demonstrated remarkable defensive resilience, withstanding the relentless attacks from the co-hosts.
The defenders showcased impeccable teamwork and tactical discipline, frustrating the New Zealand forwards at every turn.
The backline, led by an exceptional goalkeeper, thwarted numerous attempts to secure their well-deserved clean sheet.
A Capacity Crowd’s Roar
The Wellington Regional Stadium was packed to the brim with enthusiastic fans from both nations, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The collective roar of the crowd fueled the players’ determination, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved. The support from the Filipino diaspora and local fans showcased the unifying power of football in celebrating a historic moment for the Philippines.
Celebrations Across the Nation
Back home, the Philippines erupted in joyous celebrations as news of the victory spread like wildfire. Social media platforms overflowed with congratulatory messages, with hashtags related to the match trending worldwide.
The nation united in pride and jubilation, cherishing this groundbreaking achievement for Philippine football.
Impact on Philippine Football
The Philippines’ triumph on the world stage will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the country’s football landscape.
This historic win serves as a catalyst for the development of football in the Philippines, inspiring young talents to pursue the sport passionately.
It also shines a spotlight on the dedicated efforts of coaches, administrators, and grassroots programs in nurturing footballing talent across the nation.
The Philippines’ inaugural World Cup victory against New Zealand stands as an unforgettable moment in the nation’s sporting history. Sarina Bolden’s decisive header and the resolute defensive display have etched their names in football folklore.
This triumph marks the beginning of a new era for Philippine football, as the team prepares to leave an indelible mark on the global stage. As the nation basks in the glory of this historic achievement, the spirit of football and unity resonates throughout the archipelago, setting the stage for a promising future in the beautiful game.
Slow first half costs New Zealand
Much post-match conversation will center around the offside call that denied New Zealand an equalizer and a route back into the game, and whilst the Football Ferns are right to feel aggrieved at the misfortune surrounding the situation, it was ultimately their poor first half going forward that proved costly.
They dominated with the ball but failed to make any inroads through a strong Philippines defense, looking labored in attack and struggling for penetration apart from a couple of Hand runs.
They made changes at halftime, but it still took about 10 minutes for these to begin to change how New Zealand was playing, with poor passes and poor decisions ensuring the co-hosts failed to take advantage of the rare times the Philippines made mistakes at the back.
Whilst they had more cutting edge in the second half, and potentially lacked a bit of luck to get them over the line, there was nothing unlucky about a turgid first half up front, which has now made their chances of progressing from Group A much harder.