Manager Alen Stajcic says that the Philippines’ first Women’s World Cup win “has to be one of the biggest wins in the history of sports in the country.”
The early header by Sarina Bolden shocked co-hosts New Zealand, who missed a great chance to move closer to the knockout stages in Wellington. This was a great win for the Philippines, who were playing in their first World Cup.
“What could be better than beating the host country at the World Cup? “It’s the best,” Stajcic said.
“It was very sad to see almost everyone crying out on the field. It’s amazing. When you hear about how long it took other teams to win World Cup games… We did it in our second game at the first World Cup we went to.
“You can’t really understand how far behind we are compared to these teams. The team was special because of how well they worked together and how much they cared.
“I don’t know if the Philippines’ sports have ever had a bigger win. It must be one of the biggest victories the country has ever had.”
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At the end of the game, the Philippines players cheered loudly as replacements and staff ran onto the field, many with their heads in their hands.
New Zealand, on the other hand, shocked Norway on the first day and knew that another win could have put them in the last 16, but they couldn’t find a way to score.
In stoppage time, goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel saved the day by making a great fingertip save on a half-volley from New Zealand replacement Grace Jale that was headed for the bottom corner.
New Zealand, pushed on by a loud home crowd, tried to score an equalizer for the whole second half. However, VAR ruled that Jacqui Hand’s goal was disallowed because she was offside, and striker Hannah Wilkinson missed one of the game’s best chances when she headed a cross over the bar.
“It’s very important to us. McDaniel said, “We really put our heads down, and we knew what was coming at us.” “We set out to do something, and we did it. We couldn’t have gotten anything better.
“This is what the players and coaches have done. We worked hard and came out on top as a result. We still have a lot of work to do, though.”
