Philippine women's team has historic victory, coach admits luck, fans congratulate

The Philippines women's team made a miracle by becoming the first Southeast Asian team to win the 2023 Women's World Cup, after they defeated hosts New Zealand 1-0.

The Philippines women's team unexpectedly won a historic victory over the 2023 Women's World Cup host team New Zealand. (Source: AFP)

Philippines women's team has historic win at 2023 Women's World Cup

The header by Sarina Bolden, 27-year-old striker of Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia), was the only goal in the match between the Philippines and co-host New Zealand in the second match of Group A of the 2023 Women's World Cup on the afternoon of July 25.

That strike marked a great milestone as it was the first goal and also brought the first victory for the Southeast Asian team in their first participation in the world arena.

Moreover, their opponent was the co-host team, who were full of enthusiasm after their victory over Norway, the team considered the strongest in the group on the opening day.

It took New Zealand six World Cups and 16 matches to taste victory for the first time.

However, Sarina Bolden's historic goal silenced the home team's 32,000-strong stadium in the capital city of Wellington.

Speaking after the match, Philippines coach Alen Stajcic said: “New Zealand has waited so long for their first win, six World Cups and for the Philippines to get here today is unbelievable.

We made our own luck, but we were also lucky. New Zealand put pressure on the whole game and they deserved something. But football can be cruel sometimes.”

The Philippines is the second Southeast Asian team to win at the World Cup. Previously, at the 2015 Women's World Cup, Thailand beat Côte d'Ivoire 3-2, thereby finishing third in Group B (not advancing to the round of 16).

Compared to Thailand 8 years ago, the Philippines is expected to go further, which is to be present in the round of 16.

Asian fans congratulate the Philippine women's team

Andres Mauricio Prieto Valencia commented on the AFC Asian Cup page: "Congratulations to the Philippines women's team. In the first match, you showed a great performance and deserved better performances. Finally, what I was waiting for happened."

"This is magical. Well done, Filipino girls," fan Khant Nyi Nyi congratulated.

George Lemont said: "Wow, what an emotional result. Well done Philippines."

"I'm so surprised about this. Congratulations to the Philippine women's team," a football fan from the Netherlands also shared on the AFC Asian Cup page.

"Congratulations Philippines. All of Asia is proud of you," wrote Garuda Talk account.

"Congratulations to the Philippines. You are the strongest team in Southeast Asia right now," Taslim Graphy commented.

Notably, many Vietnamese football fans were also happy with the Philippines' victory.

Fan Jos Phong Pham wrote: "Keep up the good work, Southeast Asian girls! The victory over New Zealand is an inspiration for the Vietnamese women's team to face and win against Portugal in the next match!"

"No matter which team the player is from representing Southeast Asia, we support you. This victory is great," said Nguyen Anh Minh.

"Come on, let's show the world how strong Southeast Asia is," wrote Pham Trung.

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