Philippines’ maiden Women’s World Cup witnessed a wide ranging second of historical past on Tuesday as Sarina Bolden’s brilliance and solitary objective proved sufficient to upset co-hosts New Zealand.
The ecstatic Filipino facet turned the primary of the eight match debutants to savor success on the grand stage.
Meanwhile, former champions Norway confronted a stern problem, locked in a goalless draw towards Group A leaders Switzerland.
Now, with their hopes hanging by a thread, Norway face a must-win showdown on Sunday to safe a spot within the knockout levels towards the Philippines, who’ve proven that they’re actually not pushovers.
Bolden etched her identify within the annals of Filipino soccer, scoring her nation’s maiden World Cup objective within the twenty fourth minute, courtesy of a well-timed header from Sarah Eggesvik’s beautiful cross.
Despite enduring relentless stress from New Zealand, the Philippines held agency, with a disallowed objective within the 68th minute including to the Kiwis’ frustration.
Jaqcui Hand’s effort was dominated out attributable to Hannah Wilkinson’s offside place within the buildup.
Hand voiced her frustration on the offside ruling however remained resolute, “That’s the rule of the game, and it wouldn’t have been a game-changing moment if we finished other chances.”
The Philippines, who confronted a 2-0 defeat towards Switzerland of their opening match, presently occupy the third spot in Group A, trailing second-placed New Zealand by objective distinction.
New Zealand defender Katie Bowen expressed heartfelt disappointment: “It’s so heartbreaking for everyone in this team. We played to win today, and it didn’t go our way. We were fighting till the end, but it wasn’t enough. We were missing a little piece in our execution, and that was decisive today.”
The Women’s World Cup welcomes an array of newcomers, together with Haiti, Ireland, Morocco, Panama, Portugal, Vietnam and Zambia, including to the joy of the match.
In one other enthralling conflict, Colombia showcased their dominance with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Korea at Sydney’s Football Stadium.
The action-packed sport noticed Colombia take the lead within the twenty eighth minute, as Shim Seoyeon’s unlucky deflection led to a penalty, coolly dispatched by Catalina Usme.
Young midfield maestro Linda Caicedo, who has proven character contemplating she is herself a most cancers survivor, doubled Colombia’s lead in elegant trend with a curling effort from vary that trickled previous the South Korean keeper Yoon Younggeul.
South Korea struggled to discover a response, failing to register a shot within the second half, whereas Colombia managed a powerful 10 makes an attempt.
Referee Rebecca Welch had her fingers full, dispensing 4 yellow playing cards within the intense first half, together with one to Colombia’s Manuela Vanegas for a excessive boot on Son Hwayeon.
Colombia, buoyed by their decisive win, will now face the mighty German facet of their subsequent Group H encounter.
Favorites Germany’s commanding 6-0 conquer Morocco has set the stage for an electrifying conflict.
Delighted along with her essential objective, Linda Caicedo appears to be like forward with dedication, “I’m happy to score the goal. Now it’s time to think about recovering. We’re going to face a team that’s coming from a rout, but this is a World Cup. We’re getting ready for that. So welcome, Germany.”
South Korea’s journey continues as they gear up for his or her subsequent group stage battle towards Morocco in Adelaide, additionally on Sunday.
Notably, South Korea’s Casey Phair etched her identify within the report books, turning into the youngest participant to ever grace the Women’s World Cup at a outstanding 16 years and 26 days when she stepped onto the sphere within the 78th minute.
Source: www.dailysabah.com