Philippines 'crashes the party' with FIFA World Cup stunner vs New Zealand
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – The Philippines won a World Cup match for the first time as it stunned co-host New Zealand on Tuesday.
Philippines coach Alen Stajcic said on the eve of the New Zealand match that his side wanted to "crash the party", and they did just that with a gutsy 1-0 victory in front of 32,357 fans in Wellington.
Sarina Bolden scored the only goal with a header in the first half for a famous Philippine win — the country's first at either a men's or women's World Cup. It also blows Group A wide open.
The Philippines, who lost 2-0 to Switzerland on their World Cup debut, faces Norway on Sunday in the final round of group games. New Zealand clash with Switzerland on the same day with everything to play for.
Norway face Switzerland later Tuesday.
"I can't believe what we have achieved," said tearful Philippines midfielder Sara Eggesvik.
"It shows that it's possible to do something big."
Bolden's goal was a scrappy one, but they won't care.
After New Zealand conceded a free-kick, Bolden outjumped the home defense to head the ball at home goalkeeper Victoria Esson, who could only watch in horror as her attempted parry looped over her into the net.
New Zealand pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half but failed to find their way past the resolute Philippine defense.
"It's so heartbreaking for everyone in this team," said New Zealand's Czech coach Jitka Klimkova, whose side beat former champions Norway 1-0 in the opening game of the tournament for a first-ever World Cup win of their own.
"We were fighting until the end, but it wasn't enough."
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