New Zealand 0-1 Philippines
WELLINGTON, NZL–After experiencing the highest of highs after getting their first World Cup win, New Zealand were brought crashing down to Earth by the Philippines who earned their first World Cup win with a 1-0 result in Wellington.
Sarina Bolden got the match’s only goal in the 24th minute. Bolden headed in a cross and keeper Victoria Esson unable to handle the shot as it bundled over the line to put the Philippines ahead. New Zealand had numerous chances to equalize.
Jacqui Hand shot one off the post in the 64th minute. Hand thought she had the equalizer in the 68th minute, but VAR ruled that Hannah Wilkinson was marginally offside in the buildup to the play nullifying the goal. Olivia McDaniel made five saves on the night including one in stoppage time on Grace Jane.
“I’ve got everyone else’s tears all over my eyes, it’s so emotional,” Philippines coach Alen Stajcic said. “You saw how long New Zealand had to wait for its first win — six World Cups — and (for Philippines) to get it today was incredible.”
New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova said that turnovers and failure to execute were the main reasons for the loss.
“We were dominating the game tonight, we were keeping the ball,” Klimkova said. “There were too many unforced turnovers. We didn’t see those turnovers in our game against Norway.”
Coupled with the 0-0 draw between Switzerland and Norway later in the evening in Hamilton, It leaves the Swiss atop Group A on four points, New Zealand second on three with an even goal difference, the Philippines also on three with -1 goal difference, and Norway bringing up the rear on one point.
New Zealand now need a positive result (and perhaps more) against Switzerland on Sunday in Dunedin (2am CT, FOX/Telemundo). A win over the Swiss will see them through to the Round of 16, while a draw only works for certain if Philippines and Norway end in a draw in Auckland (2am CT, FS1/NBC Universo). A loss would eliminate New Zealand no matter what happens in the other match.
What was hoped to be a night of celebration and potentially a ticket punched to the next round (which would have happened had they won), now is a Sunday night of anxiety needing a result (most likely a win) against a Swiss side yet to allow a goal so far. It’s all to play for in Dunedin on Sunday night.
