New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Philippines earned its first Women’s World Cup win by beating New Zealand 1-0 with a 24th-minute goal from Californian Sarina Bolden. Bolden’s header in the first half was the country’s first ever goal in the tournament.

Philippines earns maiden World Cup win

The World Cup co-hosts seemed to be back in the game midway through the second half as Jackie Hand’s header rolled onto a struggling Olivia McDaniel in goal, but was later ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The World Cup debutant withstood pressure from New Zealand, including a spectacular stopping save from McDaniel in stoppage time in the closing minutes of the match, to earn a historic victory that drew roars of applause.

And after becoming the first of the debutant side to win the 2023 Women’s World Cup match, the Philippines, in strong form in Group A, have a chance to make more history by reaching the knockout stages with one group game left.

It was the remarkable achievement for the side, whose player are mostly US-born and play their card all around the world.

History made. ✅@PilipinasWNFT secure their first #FIFAWWC win and Group A is wide open! 🇵🇭

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2023

Sabrina Bolden scores first ever goal for Philippines

Chief among them is Bolden, who was born in Santa Clara, Calif. and plays for Australia’s A-League Western Sydney Wanderers. Bolden, who qualified for both the United States and the Philippines, had never visited the Asian country before joining his national team. Currently, she is one of the team’s most recognizable stars.

“Everyone is really excited about what’s to come and really looking forward to shocking the world,” she said ahead of the Women’s World Cup.

“I know football is not the main sport in the Philippines…but if we could meet on the big screen, on the big stage, more people would be really interested and want to play football,” she added.

Bolden said she has already seen her growing awareness and interest in the Philippines, with her team’s success on the field and her historic World Cup qualification.

“I think the grassroots excitement is really building up. People are really trying to spread the word,” she said, recounting the anecdote that her mother happened to approach a Filipino colleague who told her the women’s national team was participating in this year’s World Cup.

“I know people, especially Filipino-Americans, are talking about how huge this is,” Bolden added. “So you can imagine the message spreading.” Her goal made the 27-year-old Bolden the Philippines’ all-time top scorer.

Goalkeeper McDaniel plays key role

The team’s goaltender, McDaniel, also made a number of key saves and interventions to keep his team in the game, and the California native plays for Stallion Laguna in the Philippines. Maxine David, 20, a Filipino fan whose family immigrated to New Zealand from the Philippines five years ago, told CNN after the match that the victory was “bittersweet.”