(Wellington) The Philippines scored their first goal in their first game to claim their first FIFA Women’s World Cup victory 1-0 on Tuesday after fending off repeated attacks from hosts New Zealand.
The New Zealanders had however celebrated their first victory in six participations in the Women’s World Cup, five days earlier.
“I can’t hold back my tears of joy; it’s such a touching moment,” said Philippines coach Alen Stajcic. Look how long it took New Zealand to get their first win – six World Cups – and we [the Philippines] accomplished that today. It’s incredible.
“We created our own luck, but we also played luck. New Zealand showed their teeth throughout the game and deserved a better fate. But soccer is a cruel sport sometimes,” he added.
Sarina Bolden scored the historic goal in the 24th minute, and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel — one of 18 players who were born or settled in the United States and represent the Philippines — delivered a masterful performance to muzzle the New Zealand attack.
“I’m going to remember that moment for the rest of my life,” Bolden said after the game. I am so proud to be part of this adventure. »
For New Zealand, one of the two host countries of the tournament – the other being Australia -, which is also a country passionate about rugby, the hysteria generated by the narrow 1-0 victory signed against Norway at the curtain raiser of the tournament quickly turned into a cold shower.
A victory against the Philippines would have made New Zealand the first of the 32 countries entered in this competition to earn their way to the knockout stage.
But after Bolden’s net, New Zealand never managed to fight back. Until then, she had a ball possession percentage of around 80%, except Bolden, who was born in Santa Clara, Calif., hit the target on the Philippines’ first shot on target.
New Zealand finished the game with a 67 per cent possession percentage and outshot 14-3 on target, never finding the back of the net.
When the final whistle sounded after five minutes of added time, a period during which McDaniel made two stunning saves, joy and elation gripped the Philippines. Their supporters were numerous – New Zealand has a large Filipino community – but with the exception of the Bolden net, they were careful not to feast in the stands to avoid attracting the evil eye.
“I just realized Filipinos are all over the world,” Bolden said. I believe we represent the Filipino diaspora well, and so to be able to bring everyone together, and unite them behind a common goal, is great. »
These fans had to watch the second half sitting on their benches, as New Zealand pushed by constantly applying pressure on the opposing defence. McDaniel was also riddled with balloons, without ever giving in. In the end, the cries of joy rang out in the cool night from the Wellington Sky stadium, located in the New Zealand capital.
The New Zealanders, so optimistic after their favorites’ victory against Norway, were briefly shaken, but they still took the time to applaud them after the loss. This is not fatal for the host country. Switzerland and Norway drew 0-0 late on Tuesday in Hamilton, meaning all four Group A sides can still hope to advance to the next round of the competition.
“We dominated the game tonight; we were in control of the ball, underlined New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova. But we have made too many turnovers. We had not committed so many against Norway.
“We will have to be better prepared to face Switzerland. The tournament is not over — we have to fight,” she added.
Switzerland lead with four points, followed by New Zealand and the Philippines with three points, and Norway with one.
New Zealand will meet Switzerland, while the Philippines will face Norway on Sunday.
“It’s exciting, and to be in first place after two games is good. But we have to prepare to face New Zealand. We are coveting victory, but obviously it won’t be easy,” concluded Swiss striker Ramona Bachmann.
Linda Caicedo’s smile after the final whistle said it all. Not only does she participate in the World Cup, but she scored a goal and brought victory to hers.
After beating cancer, the 18-year-old Real Madrid star netted her first goal in international women’s soccer’s most prestigious competition as Colombia cruised to a 2-0 win over South Korea on Tuesday.
“I always say it: I’m young, extremely young, in fact,” Caicedo said. It’s my first World Cup with the senior national team, so I have to enjoy the moment. I know that I am young, that I still have a lot to learn, experience to acquire. »
Caicedo displays a lot of maturity, both in her speech and in her playing. For a young woman, she has already had many personal and professional experiences.
As a young prodigy, she joined the senior team at the age of 14. At 15, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Today, she is at the World Cup, and her most recent performance reminded everyone that she is one of the brightest prospects in women’s soccer.
“I’m just trying to enjoy the moment,” she said, trying to avoid losing her focus and her goals. A soccer player must stay focused. »
They were the last two countries to make their appearance at the World Cup, and it was also the 300th match in the competition’s history.
The victory could be key for Colombia if they wish to reach the knockout stages, especially after Germany’s 6-0 crushing victory over Morocco in Group H on Monday.