FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Philippines stun co-hosts New Zealand with a tenacious victory.

In their first-ever tournament appearance, the Philippines secured a hard-fought victory against World Cup co-hosts, the Football Ferns, in today’s match (25 July).

In a stunning upset at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the Philippines caused one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by defeating co-hosts New Zealand with a score of 1-0.

Sarina Bolden’s commanding header in the first half proved to be the decisive goal, marking her nation’s first-ever World Cup goal from their inaugural shot on target.

The Football Ferns believed they had equalized with 20 minutes remaining, but Jacqui Hands’ goal was disallowed due to Hannah Wilkinson being ruled offside in the build-up.

With this unexpected result, Group A has become highly competitive, with Norway, who will face Switzerland on Tuesday (25 July), being the only team without points on the board at the moment.

In the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 match, the Philippines secured a 1-0 victory over New Zealand.

The Philippines had to endure a tough battle for these three points, facing the relentless onslaught of Kiwi dominance right from the start of the game.

With their supporters watching on, the Football Ferns relentlessly pressed forward, launching numerous attacks on the Filipinas’ defensive line.

Despite their control of the game, the co-hosts struggled to create clear-cut chances to test Olivia McDaniel guarding the goal.

Gradually, the Filipinas found their rhythm and, surprisingly, in the 23rd minute, Sarina Bolden made history.

Starting with a threat from a free-kick, Sara Eggesvik swiftly regained possession on the right flank and skillfully delivered a precise cross into the box, where the towering Bolden outmaneuvered the defenders to score her nation’s first-ever World Cup goal in their debut tournament.

Before the first 45 minutes concluded, both teams had their share of half-chances. Katie Bowen attempted a shot, but it veered wide of the target, while Katrina Guillou displayed some skillful footwork on the edge of the area, paving the way for a long-range effort that narrowly missed the post.

The co-hosts entered the second half with great determination, eager to close the gap on the scoreline.

Their resurgence was evident early on, with CJ Bott delivering a perfectly placed ball into the box, providing Hannah Wilkinson with an excellent chance to level the score. The towering forward managed to beat McDaniel to the ball, but her header landed on the top of the net.

In the second half, substitute Olivia Chance played a crucial role in creating opportunities for New Zealand. One of her best passes set up Jacqui Hands, whose shot hit the post and then fell into the hands of an alert McDaniel.

With 20 minutes remaining, it appeared that the Football Ferns had finally found their way back into the game as Hands scored emphatically. However, their celebration was short-lived as VAR intervened, ruling it out due to one of the tightest offside calls witnessed in the entire tournament.

Despite the home side’s persistent efforts to breach the away goal, they couldn’t find success.

Just moments before the final whistle, Grace Jale seemed to have salvaged a point with a late attempt, but McDaniel’s incredible save denied her.

With this outcome, the Philippines achieved a historic feat by becoming the first debutant nation to secure a victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.