The Philippines produced the biggest shock of the World Cup as the first-time qualifiers stunned visitors in Wellington with a 1-0 win over New Zealand.
New Zealand’s dream Women’s World Cup has been put on hold after the Philippines’ historic first win in the tournament.
After the excitement of an opening night win over Norway, the Football Ferns came back down to earth with a 1-0 loss in Wellington on Tuesday.
Sarina Bolden will go down in history as the first Philippine scorer in a men’s or women’s World Cup, with a powerful first-half header and match-winner.
A resurgent New Zealand thought they had an equalizer when Jackie Hand netted a looping header, only for Hannah Wilkinson to be ruled fractionally offside in the build-up.
The goal was disallowed after a VAR review after more than a minute of wild balloon-blowing celebrations by the Kiwis.
Sarina Bolden scored the Philippines’ first goal of the Women’s World Cup as they beat co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 in Wellington on Tuesday.
Olivia McDaniel then made the save of a lifetime, diving low to her left to deny Grace Jell’s volley to preserve the Philippines’ victory.
New Zealand were at their best in the physical battle but could not find a rhythm within the Philippine defence.
Bolden punished the Kiwis on 24 minutes, rising above Rebecca Stott to head Sara Egesvik’s cross straight at Vic Esson into the Rangers goalkeeper’s net.
The Filipina’s first goal was with Western Sydney flavour: where coach Allen Stajczyk was raised and scorer Bolden played his club football for Wanderers.
Despite playing in hostile territory, the Philippines had plenty of support from the 32,357-strong crowd.
Olivia Chance and Annalee Longo were injected at halftime as the Ferns chased an equaliser.
Opening night hero Wilkinson – guilty of a nasty first-half challenge on Sophia Harrison – was just shy on 58 minutes, heading CJ Bott’s cross ahead of McDaniel but just high.
Chance was playing a blinder and played an exceptional ball to Hand, who thundered a first-time shot against the post.
The World Cup debutants kept their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 alive with this shock win
All New Zealand have to do to qualify is a loss in Wellington on Tuesday
On 68 minutes the Football Ferns thought their moment had arrived, only for VAR to halt the celebrations after the hand ball went into the net.
At that point, die cast appeared, McDaniel proved with his incredible fingertip save in overtime.
The result moves the Philippines level with New Zealand and Switzerland in Group A with three points, with the Swiss facing Norway in their second group stage match later on Tuesday.