WELLINGTON: Philippines made history at their first Women’s World Cup with their first goal and first win Tuesday, holding on under pressure to upset co-hosts New Zealand.
The New Zealanders only five days earlier had celebrated their first win in six trips to the Women’s World Cup. Sarina Bolden scored the historic match winner in the 24th minute and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel — one of 18 US-born or based players in the Philippines squad — produced a tireless performance to frustrate New Zealand as they desperately tried to rally.
For the tournament co-hosts, the jubilation that surrounded their 1-0 win over Norway in the tournament opener and transformed a rugby-mad nation into one suddenly besotted by soccer, melted away too soon.
A victory over Philippines would have meant New Zealand was the first of 32 teams at this World Cup to advance beyond the group stage.