Filipinas upset host New Zealand for historic first win in Women's World Cup

History has been made.

The Philippine women’s national football team copped its first-ever win at the 2023 FIFA World Cup after frustrating co-host New Zealand, 1-0, on Tuesday in Wellington, New Zealand.

Striker Sarina Bolden converted a header off a cross from Sarah Eggesvik in the free kick play at the 24th minute to put the Philippines up, 1-0.

Katrina Guillou had the chance to make it a 2-0 lead but she went wide on her attempt.

Despite having most of the possessions, New Zealand wasn’t able to score a single goal with Philippine goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel displaying relentless defense, including her crucial last save in the first half as the Allen Stajcic-coached team brought a 1-nil lead to the break.

The hosts had several chances to equalize but a Jacqui Hand strike went straight to the post before she headed what looked like the equalizer at the 68th minute. Unluckily for the Ferns, her goal was later ruled offside following a review.

The Philippines then held off New Zealand in the next minutes with McDaniels’ game-saving clutch saves helping the Filipinas hang on until the end.

The Filipinas are now tied with New Zealand with a 1-0-1 win-draw-loss card in Group A. The other two teams in the group, Switzerland (1-0-0) and Norway (0-0-1), were still playing as of posting time.

The Philippines will next face Norway on Sunday at 3 p.m. in a bid to advance to the Round of 16.

Only the top two teams from each group will earn a ticket to the next round.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News