Emotional night for Filipinas as they clinch 'special' first win in Women's World Cup

It was a cold night in Wellington, New Zealand but the news of the Philippines' first goal in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup was warmly received by the Filipino fans there and those all the way in Manila.

In front of more than 30,000 fans at the Wellington Regional Stadium, the Philippine women's national football team fulfilled what was once considered a pipe dream: a goal and a win in the World Cup.

The Filipinas upset home team New Zealand, 1-0, with Sarina Bolden making the historic first goal for the country in one of football's biggest stages.

"I know how hard we had to work throughout that whole game before it was over," said Stajcic in a post-game press conference. "It was a special goal, the first goal for the country in history."

And with the win coming against the home team no less, Stajcic knew his answer when asked how he would rank the win among other milestones in his career.

"Beating the host nation in a World Cup, nothing beats that. It’s No. 1,” said Stajcic.

As Bolden made the historic goal, emotions ran high as the Philippines did what seemed to be impossible at first.

"It's very emotional out there on the pitch. Just seeing everyone, staff, players, everyone crying. It was emotional for all of us, it's unbelievable," said Stajcic.

"I felt numb about it still," team captain Hali Long told GMA Integrated News.

"I haven't absorbed it because it's completely unexpected. It feels electric."

Chants of 'Isa pa!' or 'One more!' drowned out the home crowd as Filipino fans asked for one more goal to seal the win.

"I think it's the only thing I heard in the crowd. Even in the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) [Championship], that's the only thing I could hear. Not even my coaches or anything," added Long.

"That is fuel and fire to just dig deep."

For now, the Filipinas will get ready to face world no. 12 Norway on July 30, with their fate in the tournament at stake.

"It's going to be tough but anything can happen. Bilog ang bola (the ball is round)," said Long.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang, with reporting by Ryan Fenix/JMB, GMA Integrated News