Philippines stun New Zealand 1-0 for first win at Women’s World Cup

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.

But after conceding Bolden’s goal against the run of play, New Zealand were unable to recover. They had enjoyed 80 percent of possession before Santa Clara-born Bolden scored from the Philippines’ first shot on goal.

New Zealand ended with 67 percent of possession and 14 shots on goal to the Philippines’ three, but couldn’t find an equalizer, let alone a winner.

Hannah Wilkinson went close on a couple of occasions and Jacqui Hand hit the post in the 64th. In the cruelest blow for the home team, Wilkinson crossed in the 68th to Hand, who headed into the net for what appeared to be goal.

But a review showed Wilkinson was a fraction offside and the goal was disallowed. For the rest of the match, McDaniel was a sentinel in front of the Philippines’ goal.

“I’ve got everyone else’s tears all over my eyes, it’s so emotional,” Philippines coach Alen Stajcic