FIRST, they just wanted to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Second, they just wanted to score a goal.
But the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, ranked 46 in the world and collectively called “Filipinas,” made history not just by scoring a goal but also notched a historic 1-0 win against the 26th-ranked and Women’s World Cup co-host New Zealand in a highly anticipated match at the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
Team striker Sarina Bolden weaved her usual magic as she bravely knocked off a header coming from a cross courtesy of midfielder Sarah Eggesvik at the 24th minute to convert that history-making goal.
Aside from their offense, the Filipinas matched it with their awesome defense, with goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel successfully staving off every goal attempt by the Kiwis, who got almost 95 percent of possessions.
There were several chances for New Zealand to even the score, but New Zealand forward Jacqueline Hand’s goal was called an “offside” goal.
Next up for the Philippines is an even bigger opponent in Group A as they face 12th-ranked Norway on July 30, 2023 (Sunday) in a much bigger venue, the Eden Park National Stadium in central Auckland, New Zealand.
(MAIN PHOTO: Philippine Women’s National Football Team Facebook page)