The Philippines stun co-host New Zealand 1-0 to earn first ever Women’s World Cup win

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CNN
 — 

The Philippines stunned New Zealand 1-0 to earn its first ever Women’s World Cup victory on Tuesday off California-born Sarina Bolden’s 24th-minute goal.

Bolden’s first-half header was the country’s first ever goal in the competition’s history.

The World Cup co-host looked to have earned itself a route back into the game midway through the second half when Jacqui Hand’s looping header floated over a despairing Olivia McDaniel in goal, but it was later ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR) for offside.

The World Cup debutant was able to withstand New Zealand pressure, including a truly remarkable diving save from McDaniel in added time at the end of the game, to earn a historic victory, sparking scenes of jubilant celebrations.

And in finely-poised Group A, the Philippines – after becoming the first of the debutant teams to win at the 2023 Women’s World Cup – now has an opportunity to make yet further history by reaching the knockout phases with one group game remaining.

It is a memorable moment for the country, many of whose players are US-born and ply their trade around the world.

Chief amongst those is Bolden, who was born in Santa Clara, California, and plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in the Australian A-League.

With her goal, the 27-year-old Bolden became the Philippines’ record women’s international goalscorer.

Team goalkeeper McDaniel, who provided many key saves and interventions to keep her side in the game, was also born in California and plays for Stallion Laguna back in the Philippines.

Having won its opening group game last time out, New Zealand missed out on making its own slice of history by qualifying for the knockout phase for the first time.

More to follow…