It was a match for the history books as the Philippines scored a 1-0 win against New Zealand last July 25, 2023, during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Around 35,000+ fans filled the Wellington Regional Stadium. The Filipinas were the expected underdogs as the odds were in favor of the Ferns of New Zealand, who had just won against World #12, Norway. This match was expected to be the win that would send them to the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, onlookers presumed that the Philippines was looking for a respectable match or even a draw, after its 0-2 loss to #20 Switzerland.
Yet, inside the Filipinas locker room, the atmosphere was completely different.
The goal was not to tie or play a close match but to win, despite all the odds and the vast home-field advantage of the Ferns.
From the beginning, the Philippines were just as equal, even exceptional, compared to New Zealand’s team.
It was a close 0-0 match the whole time, but during the 24th Minute, Angela Beard (#13; defender) got a free kick near the halfway line, next to the right sideline.
Angela Beard’s kick successfully made it into the box, but as it was headed out of the box, another Filipina player was able to secure possession of the ball, Sara Eggesvik (#8; midfielder), and she kicked the ball from just outside of the box on the right wing right into the middle of the box to a high flying Sarina Bolden. Sarina Bolden (#7; forward) leaped over two defenders and headed the ball with power at goal, putting so much power on the ball that New Zealand’s goalkeeper was unable to keep the ball out of the net!
Sarina Bolden and the Philippines had done it! They scored their first FIFA World Cup goal, men’s or women’s, ever!
Later on, Olivia Davies-McDaniel (#1; goalkeeper) dominated the match as she saved many shots and cleared many chances by New Zealand.
Her greatest save came during the third minute of stoppage time in the second half. She was able to save a point-blank one-on-one shot where she had to dive fully with her left hand to save and knock it out of bounds.
This feat helped secure the Philippines’ victory!
While the Philippines eventually failed to qualify for the Round of 16 following a loss to Norway, the Filipinas inspired a nation with a new sport to play and watch.
The 2023 tournament is still ongoing with the quarterfinals fast approaching.
As for the Philippines, they achieved a historic 24th place finish, a historic first win, and will need to focus on their next crowning achievement: a chance to play at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris!
The Philippines will start back up for this goal in October and November in the Second Round of Qualifiers in Group A, with Australia, Chinese Taipei, and Iran.
To keep their Olympic hopes alive, the Philippines will either need to win their group or be the best second-place team of the three groups, a tall task considering Australia may be the World Cup Champions by the end of this month.