New Zealand must regain grit after Philippines upset, says coach

Updated: Jul 25, 2023, 06:48 am

Forward Sarina Bolden headed the winner as Philippines spoiled co-hosts New Zealand's party with a stunning 1-0 victory in their Women's World Cup Group A clash on Tuesday.

Philippines lost 2-0 to Switzerland in their opening match and looked to be an easy opponent for New Zealand, who were coming off their first-ever World Cup win over former champions Norway and looking to book a spot in the last 16.

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Instead, Philippines secured their own first World Cup win to keep alive their hopes of progressing in their debut tournament.

New Zealand did not lack in effort but had seemingly lost the magic touch of their historic opener and missed a series of goalscoring opportunities.

Striker Bolden made them pay for their profligacy in the 24th minute when she got up well to fire a header directly at New Zealand keeper Victoria Esson, who fumbled it into the net to give Philippines their first-ever World Cup goal.

Philippines play Norway in their final Group Aon Sunday.
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Roared on by a 32,357-strong crowd at Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand dominated possession as they poured forward looking for an equaliser.

Defender Katie Bowen sent a shot wide to the left in the 38th minute and co-captain Ria Percival's shot rolled straight at the Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel in first-half stoppage time.

In the 58th minute, defender C.J. Bott looped a cross into the box but Hannah Wilkinson, the hero of New Zealand's opening win on Thursday, sent her header over the bar.

Ten minutes later, Wilkinson did well to drag the ball back from the byline and crossed for forward Jacqui Hand to head it into the net, only for the referee to call it back for offside.

In a frenetic finish, Philippines striker Carleigh Frilles had a goal ruled out for offside and New Zealand's Grace Jale was foiled from close range by a fine McDaniel save.

Philippines play against Norway on Sunday, while New Zealand face Switzerland in the final games in Group A.