SECURING THE country’s first-ever victory at the 2023 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup, Sarina Bolden’s historic goal lifted the Philippines to glory as they shocked tournament co-hosts New Zealand, 1-0. The thrilling match was held earlier today at the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.

Heading into the match, New Zealand won the tournament’s opening contest against world #12 Norway on July 20. Meanwhile, the Philippines dropped its first assignment against Switzerland the day after.

The Football Ferns got off to a fast start in the contest, dominating possession and completing most of their passes within the first few minutes. The world-ranked #26 also utilized the same intensity they showed against Norway in their first match, not allowing the Filipinas to get an attempt on goal.

However, by the 23rd minute, Ria Percival committed a foul that would award the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) a free kick. Defender Angela Beard’s delivery into the box would cause a scramble for New Zealand’s defenders, but the ball ended up with Sara Eggesvik. The KIL/Hemne midfielder would find Bolden who soared high for the header to score the Philippines’ first-ever FIFA World Cup goal—in their first attempt at the net. Previously in September 2022, Bolden was also responsible for the opening breakthrough when the Filipinas faced New Zealand in a friendly match in California, United States.

What a moment for @sarina_bolden as she scores @PilipinasWNFT's first goal at a #FIFAWWC!! 🇵🇭🙌 pic.twitter.com/ojaS00Zse2

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2023

Since then, the PWNFT began to play a more relaxed game, opting to control the ball more instead of increasing their aggressiveness. Just before halftime, the Filipinas had a chance to double their advantage as Katrina Guillou created space to go for the left-footed shot, but ended up going wide. Through one half, the Philippines had two attempts on goal, the same number they had for most of their first match against Switzerland until the 83rd minute.

The tides nearly turned for New Zealand in the second half, as in the 68th minute, Jacqui Hand sent an apparent equalizer through the line via the header. However, the goal was promptly disallowed as striker Hannah Wilkinson was offside prior to her assist to Hand.

After minutes of the Football Ferns coupling together a string of chances of tying up the match, the Philippines would finally counter with their first scoring attempt in the 88th minute of regulation. Forward Isabella Flanigan slipped through the defense and slotted in what would have been the PWNFT’s second goal of the match. Although, similar to one of New Zealand’s previous attempts, Flanigan was ruled offside prior to the goal.

Determined to send the match into a deadlock, the Ferns managed to piece together some final opportunities in extra time. However, goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel served as her team’s hero in the final minutes as she denied New Zealand any opportunity of a late goal up until the final whistle—officially giving the Philippines its first victory in FIFA World Cup history.

After the match, McDaniel, who was named Player of the Match, was elated with her team’s historic achievement. “It just means everything to us and to our country and we’re just so happy,” she exclaimed.

With this historic win, the Filipinas hope to replicate their success and fight for a spot in the Round of 16 as they take on Norway on Sunday, July 30 at 3:00 PM at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.