Lady booters eye dream win on hallowed turf

AUCKLAND – Eden Park, the largest stadium in New Zealand, has served as a hub for the most iconic sporting moments, notably in cricket and rugby.

When the debuting Filipinas get their first gig at the historic venue tonight against Norway, they intend to make it extra special by going out of the 43,217-seater stadium’s gates carrying a coveted ticket to the KO round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Massive game, massive occasion for us to be playing at a special sporting ground like Eden Park,” said Alen Stajcic, the Philippines’ Australian coach, very much aware of the venue’s rich history.

“Being from Australia, knowing big rugby games have been held here, (it’s) special to walk on hallowed turf. We’re all very excited.”

Opened in 1900, Eden Park has hosted big-time events such as the 1987 and 2011 Rugby World Cup finals, the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal, 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The stadium has a normal seating capacity of 50,000 to 60,000 in rugby and 42,000 in cricket with a highest attendance of 61,240 during the rugby match between New Zealand and South Africa in 1956.

In the ongoing WC, Eden Park served as witness as the Football Ferns scored New Zealand’s first winning result in the WC last July 20 in front of 42,137 home fans.

Crowd isn’t expected to be that massive but the Filipinas expect their kababayans to be there as they shoot for history.