Co-hosts New Zealand were stunned by Sarina Bolden’s early header, and they lost a great chance to advance to the knockout rounds in Wellington, but it was a fantastic outcome for the Philippines, who were making their debut.”How can you top winning a World Cup match against the host nation? It’s first,” declared Stajcic.
“Seeing practically everyone cry on the field was incredibly emotional. It’s incredible. When you learn that other countries had to wait so long to win World Cup games… In the second game of our first World Cup, we succeeded.
“You can’t truly understand how far behind these other teams we have been. The team’s cohesion, productivity, and heart were exceptional.
“I don’t know if the Philippines’ sport has ever had a larger victory. One of the largest victories in the nation’s history, without a doubt.The great boxer Manny Pacquiao brought the Philippines international success, but during this World Cup, new sports heroes are surfacing.
As substitutes and personnel ran onto the field at full-time, many of them holding their heads in their hands in shock, the Philippines players enthusiastically celebrated.
New Zealand, who stunned Norway on the first day and knowing a victory would have guaranteed their spot in the round of 16, were left disappointed when they were unable to make a breakthrough.
In the dying seconds, New Zealand substitute Grace Jale’s half-volley was stopped by heroics from goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who made a superb fingertip save.The entire second half saw New Zealand, encouraged by a boisterous home crowd, try to tie the score. However, Jacqui Hand had a goal disallowed for offside by the video assistant referee [VAR] after she had earlier hit the post, and striker Hannah Wilkinson headed a cross over the bar from one of the game’s biggest chances.
It is extremely important to us. We understood what was coming and really put our heads down, said McDaniel. “We set a goal and succeeded in achieving it. Nothing greater could have been provided for us.
“The team and coaching staff have carried out this. We put forth the effort, and as a result, we succeeded. But there is still a ton of work to be done.
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