In a rare upset, the Philippines won its first ever Women’s World Cup, defeating impressive co-hosts New Zealand 1-0. The historic victory was achieved thanks to a 24th-minute goal by California-born Serena Bolden.
This is how much it means to them.
— Vipul Madridista 🇸🇪 (@Vipulnarang190) July 25, 2023
Phillipines fans travelled 8000+ km to witness their team's first ever FIFA World Cup win.
Listen to the roar of the crowd.🥹🥹
Love this passion 🎉 pic.twitter.com/4KSD0ihtkm
Bolden’s first-half header marked the Philippines’ first goal in the history of the prestigious competition. Despite New Zealand’s equalizing efforts, including a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for offside, the Philippines held on, and a jubilant celebration ensued.
For the World Cup debutant, this win means a lot. Many of the players on the Philippine team are of American descent, showing a diverse representation in women’s soccer. Notably, Serena Bolden, who plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in the Australian A-League, is a standout player and a recognized star for the team. His dual ability to represent both the United States and the Philippines increases his importance in promoting soccer in the Asian nation.
With this impressive win, the Philippines now have a chance to make more history by advancing to the knockout stages in Group A.
The team’s success has sparked excitement and interest in soccer within the country, with more and more people showing enthusiasm for the game at the grassroots level and among the Filipino-American community.
Maxine David, a 20-year-old Filipino fan, expressed mixed feelings because her family immigrated to New Zealand from the Philippines five years ago. While she considers New Zealand her home, her Filipino heritage adds to her sense of pride in the country’s historic success at the Women’s World Cup.
In another match in Hamilton, New Zealand on Tuesday, the match between Switzerland and Norway ended in a goalless draw. The absence of Norway’s talismanic striker, Ada Hegerberg, due to a groin injury hampered Norway’s attacking efforts. On the other hand, Switzerland retained their position in Group A and secured an important point. With just one point after their opening two matches, Norway face an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages.
Colombia opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over South Korea. Catalina Esme’s first-half penalty kick and 18-year-old Linda Cacido’s goal ensured victory for the South American team. In a stadium filled with enthusiastic Colombian fans, the team showed their strength to claim only their second win at the World Cup.
The game also saw history being made, as South Korean forward Casey Phair surpassed the previous record held by Nigeria’s Ifeanyi Chiejine in 1999, in the Women’s World Cup just 26 days after her 16th birthday. She became the youngest player ever to participate.
As the Women’s World Cup continues, these exciting matches and historic moments play an important role in promoting the development of women’s football and celebrating talent and diversity on a global scale.
