Staff Writer
Tuesday saw the Philippines defeat co-hosts New Zealand to claim their first World Cup victory, while Colombia defeated South Korea with a resounding victory thanks to a goal from teenage sensation Linda Caicedo.
Coach Alen Stajcic of the Philippines had stated on the day of the New Zealand game that his team wanted to “crash the party,” and they accomplished exactly that with a valiant 1-0 victory in Wellington in front of 32,357 spectators.
In the first half, Sarina Bolden scored the lone goal with a header to give the Philippines a historic victory—their first at either a men’s or women’s World Cup. It also completely opens up Group A.
The Philippines, who fell to Switzerland 2-0 in their World Cup debut, will take against Norway in the championship match on Sunday.
group game session. On the same day, New Zealand faces Switzerland in a matchup with plenty on the line.
Switzerland will play Norway later on Tuesday.
Sara Eggesvik of the Philippines, a weeping midfielder, remarked, “I can’t believe what we have accomplished.
It demonstrates that a significant undertaking is feasible.
Even if Bolden’s goal was improvised, they won’t care.
Bolden outran the home defense after New Zealand gave up a free kick and headed the ball at Victoria Esson, who could only watch in horror as her parry looped over her and into the net.
In the second half, New Zealand made a valiant effort to get an equalizer but were unable to get past the staunch Philippine defense.
“It’s so heartbreaking for everyone in this team,” remarked Czech of New Zealand.
Jitka Klimkova is the head coach of the team who defeated Norway in the tournament’s first game 1-0 to earn their first-ever World Cup victory.
We fought all the way to the end, but it wasn’t enough.
In the opening game of the day, Colombia defeated South Korea 2-0 because they were superior to their brash opponents.
Yoon Young-geul made a clear mistake in goalkeeping by allowing 18-year-old striker Caicedo’s shot to slip between her hands. Caicedo beat cancer three years ago.
In Sydney’s brilliant heat, Catalina Usme had put the South Americans ahead with a penalty on the half-hour, and Caicedo added a goal nine minutes later.
Colin Bell, the South Korea coach, inserted an American attacker.
Casey Phair as they attempted to win the game later on. She set a record for being the youngest player in a Women’s World Cup at the age of 16 and 26 days.
But Caicedo was the star of the show, as she scored on the greatest stage of them all and at the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups, making her one of the best young strikers in women’s soccer.
Caicedo was referred to be “extraordinary” by assistant Angelo Marsiglia, who was filling in for suspended Colombia coach Nelson Abadia.
He remarked, “She wants the ball, never hides, is from another planet, totally unusual.
Colombia now shares third place in Group H with Germany after the Germans’ 6-0 demolition of Morocco on Monday. Next up are Germany and Colombia.
In the mood for a challenge
Spain is among the Wednesday’s competition in Australia and New Zealand will feature favorites to unseat holders the United States.
The Spaniards easily defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in their opening match and will try to score again against Zambia.
The African team, which is rated last in the league and lost 5-0 to Japan in their opening game, claimed they were “up for the challenge” of facing La Roja.
“We started with a loss, but that doesn’t mean we have to look down on ourselves,” she remarked.
The 2011 champions Japan play Costa Rica in the same group on Wednesday as well.
Ireland and Canada square off in the day’s final match.
