The Philippines women's team made history by becoming the first Southeast Asian team to win the 2023 Women's World Cup, after they defeated hosts New Zealand 1-0.
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| The Philippines women's team unexpectedly won a historic victory over the 2023 Women's World Cup host team New Zealand. (Source: AFP) |
Philippines women's team has historic win at 2023 Women's World Cup
A header by Sarina Bolden, a 27-year-old striker currently playing for Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia), was the only goal in the match between the Philippines and co-host New Zealand in the second match of Group A of the 2023 Women's World Cup on the afternoon of July 25.
That strike marked a great milestone as it was the first goal and also brought the first victory for the Southeast Asian team in their first participation in the world arena.
Moreover, their opponent was the co-host team, who were in high spirits after their victory over Norway, the team considered the strongest in the group on the opening day.
It took New Zealand six World Cups and 16 matches to taste victory for the first time.
However, Sarina Bolden's historic goal silenced the home team's 32,000-strong stadium in the capital Wellington.
Speaking after the match, Philippines coach Alen Stajcic said: “New Zealand have waited so long for their first win, six World Cups and for the Philippines to get here today is unbelievable.
We made our own luck, but we had a lot of luck too. New Zealand put pressure on us all game and they deserved something. But football can be cruel sometimes.”
The Philippines is the second Southeast Asian team to win at the World Cup. Previously, at the 2015 Women's World Cup, Thailand defeated Côte d'Ivoire 3-2, thereby ranking 3rd in Group B (not reaching the round of 16).
Compared to Thailand 8 years ago, the Philippines is expected to go further, which is to be present in the round of 16.
Asian fans congratulate the Philippine women's team
Andres Mauricio Prieto Valencia commented on the AFC Asian Cup page: "Congratulations to the Philippines women's team. In the first match, you showed a great performance and deserved better performances. Finally what I expected happened."
"This is magical. Well done, Filipino girls," fan Khant Nyi Nyi congratulated.
George Lemont account expressed: "Wow, the result is so emotional. Well done Philippines".
"I'm so surprised about this. Congratulations to the Philippine women's team," a football fan from the Netherlands also shared on the AFC Asian Cup page.
"Congratulations Philippines. The whole of Asia is proud of you," wrote Garuda Talk account.
"Congratulations Philippines. You are the strongest team in Southeast Asia right now," Taslim Graphy commented.
Notably, many Vietnamese football fans were also happy with the Philippines' victory.
Fan Jos Phong Pham wrote: "Keep up the good work, Southeast Asian girls! The victory over New Zealand is an inspiration for the Vietnamese women's team to face and win against Portugal in the next match!"
"No matter which team the player is from representing Southeast Asia, we support you. This victory is great," said Nguyen Anh Minh.
"Come on, let's show the world how strong Southeast Asia is," wrote account Pham Trung.
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