Philippines shock co-hosts New Zealand at Women's World Cup as Sarina Bolden scores winner in Group A clash

Philippines shocked co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 to earn their first-ever win at the Women’s World Cup.

New Zealand, who were looking to secure their progress into the knockout stages for the first time, dominated possession and created chances to score, hitting the woodwork and having a goal ruled out by VAR.

But it was Sarina Bolden’s 24th-minute header that decided the game.

The surprise result leaves Group A up for grabs.

Switzerland are top on four points following their draw with Norway, with New Zealand and Philippines both on three points. Norway are bottom with one point.

“I have to say, it's so heartbreaking for everyone in this team," said New Zealand head coach Jitka Klimkova.

"We played to win today and it didn’t go our way. I saw all our faces – we wanted it. We were fighting to the end, but it wasn’t enough. We were missing a little piece in our execution and that was decisive today."

Bolden's goal was the first by any team making their debut at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

It came when the ball was crossed into the middle of the box from the right and Bolden headed in to spark wild celebrations among the Philippines players and fans.

Philippines went close to a second before the break when Katrina Guillou fired a shot from the edge of the box just past the post.

New Zealand should have levelled soon after the break when Hannah Wilkinson headed over the bar from close range.

They went close again in the 65th minute as Olivia Chance curled in a cross for Jacqui Hand, who hit the post with just goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel to beat.

New Zealand continued to push and thought they had equalised when Jacqui Hand headed home from Wilkinson’s cross.

However, the goal was ruled out by VAR after a tight offside against Wilkinson.

Philippines also had a goal chalked off when Isabella Flanigan was offside after slotting past the goalkeeper.

New Zealand went close again in injury-time as substitute Grace Jale was denied by a brilliant save from McDaniel, who dived low to push away a volley at close range.

New Zealand play Switzerland on Sunday while Philippines face Norway.

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