New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Philippines beat New Zealand 1-0 thanks to a 24th-minute goal by California’s Sarina Bolden to win their first ever Women’s World Cup. Bolden’s header in the first half was the country’s first goal of the tournament.
Philippines won the World Cup for the first time
The World Cup co-hosts looked to be back in the game midway through the second half as Jackie Hand’s header went over Olivia McDaniel struggling in goal, but was later ruled offside by the video assistant referee (VAR). The World Cup debutant withstood the pressure from New Zealand, including a superb save from McDaniel in stoppage time in the final minutes of the match, to secure a historic victory that drew thunderous applause.
And after becoming the first team to win a 2023 Women’s World Cup match, the Philippines, who are in strong form in Group A, have a chance to make more history by advancing to the knockout stage with one group game remaining.
It was a remarkable achievement for a team whose majority of players are born in the US and play their cards around the world.
History was created.@pilipinaswnft secure them first #FIFAWWC Win and Group A is unlocked!
– FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) 25 July 2023
Sabrina Bolden scored the first goal for the Philippines.
Chief among them is Bolden, who was born in Santa Clara, California and plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s A-League. Bolden, who qualified for both the United States and the Philippines, had never visited an Asian country before joining his national team. Currently, he is one of the most recognized stars of the team.
“Everyone is really excited about what’s going to happen and eager to surprise the world,” she said ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
She said, “I know football is not the main sport in the Philippines…but if we can get on the big screen, on the big stage, more people will be really interested and want to play football.”
Bolden said he has already seen growing awareness and interest in the Philippines with his team’s success on the field and historic World Cup qualification.
“I think the enthusiasm at the grassroots level is really picking up. People are really trying to spread the word,” she recounted the story that her mother went to a Filipino colleague who told her the women’s national team was participating in this year’s World Cup.
Bolden said, “I know people, especially Filipino-Americans, are talking about what a big deal this is.” “So you can imagine the message is spreading.” His goal made the 27-year-old Bolden the Philippines’ all-time top scorer.
Goalkeeper McDaniel plays a key role
McDaniel, the team’s goaltender, also made several key saves and interceptions to keep his team in the game, and the California native plays for the Stallions Laguna in the Philippines. Maxine David, 20, a Filipino fan whose family immigrated to New Zealand from the Philippines five years ago, told CNN after the match that the victory was “bitter”.