2023 World Cup Reviews: New Zealand vs Philippines – debutants make a splash in shock win
The Philippines have become the first debutants of the 2023 Women’s World Cup to pick up a win. The shocking win was well deserved as the Philippines worked hard and soaked in every moment. For New Zealand, who had their own shock win over Norway to kick off their campaign, it was a tough loss. Many thought they would win this game and set themselves up to progress out of the group stages.
Philippines defeat New Zealand in shock win
The Philippines’ first-ever victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup is being hailed as an incredible moment in their country’s sporting history, according to their manager Alen Stajcic.
The debutants caused a major upset by defeating co-hosts New Zealand in a thrilling match in Wellington. Sarina Bolden’s early header surprised everyone and ended up being enough for the team to bag the win.
Stajcic couldn’t contain his excitement, saying, “How can you top beating a host nation at a World Cup? It’s number one.
“It was very emotional out on the pitch, seeing just about everyone crying. It’s unbelievable. When you hear stories of other teams needing so long to win World Cup matches… We have done it in our second match in our first World Cup.”
He emphasised the remarkable journey of the team, explaining, “You can’t really appreciate how far back in the pack we have come compared to these teams. The unity, work rate, and heart from the team were special. I don’t know if there’s been a bigger win for Philippines’ sport. It has to be one of the biggest wins in the history of the country.”
While the Philippines celebrated passionately, New Zealand were left frustrated as they couldn’t find a way to score despite their efforts.
Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel made a heroic stoppage-time save, denying New Zealand a goal and securing the historic win for the Philippines. The New Zealand team, fueled by a supportive home crowd, pushed hard for an equaliser throughout the second half, but they couldn’t break through the Philippines’ defence.
In this World Cup, new sporting heroes are emerging for the Philippines, and their historic victory has surely captured the hearts of sports fans across the country and beyond.
‘Sport can be exciting and it can be heartbreaking’
Despite the bonus of a home crowd, the team couldn’t find a way through in this match. The team grew increasingly frustrated in the second half, but they did not give up, and fought right to the end.
It is a result that leaves Group A wide open and New Zealand must now target a result in their final match against Switzerland to progress to the knockout stages for the first time.
“Five days ago we were celebrating and were so excited. Today we didn’t get what we wanted,” said New Zealand manager Jitka Klimkova.
“We could see how much our players wanted it and were fighting for it. Our goal was to inspire our nation and it wasn’t the result we wanted, but the fight and the passion was definitely there.
“Sport can be exciting and it can be heartbreaking. I could see tears in the eyes of our players. I know how much it means for them to be here. It is heartbreaking but this is not over yet.
“I believe there will be even more desire [against Switzerland]. We know we still have a chance. This group is focused, they want it for themselves, the team and for the country. They will find a way.”
