New Zealand, the co-hosts of the ongoing Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023, after having a promising start in the tournament, winning their opening game against Norway, have now been handed their first loss in this edition of the World Cup.
Going up against the Philippines in front of the home crowd at Wellington, who are playing their first-ever World Cup match, Team NZ was booming in confidence, coming in after a victory. However, Sarina Bolden’s solitary goal in the 24th minute ensured the Philippines their first-ever victory in a World Cup tournament.
Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Sarina Bolden scored the only goal at the Sky Stadium to help the Philippines seal a surprise victory over the hosts. The win has now kept Philipoz dreams alive of making it to the knockout stages, having already lost their opening match to Switzerland,
New Zealand did have a series of opportunities to score in the match, but the Philippines defense and luck were both on a roll in the game. Bolden however, found the right opening to make the hosts pay for their profligacy when she got up well to fire a header directly at New Zealand ‘keeper Victoria Esson, who fumbled it into the net to give the Philippines a memorable and much needed win at Wellington.
A win in this game would have ensured New Zealand a spot in the knockouts after they beat former champions Norway in their opening match.
As for the further course of the tournament, the group stages will end on August 3. The Group winners and runners-up progress to the round of 16, which takes place from August 5 to August 8.The quarter-finals, which will be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney, are scheduled for August 11 and 12.
The first semi-final will then be played on August 15 in Auckland, with the other semi-final taking place on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, which will then host the final on August 20.
