Philippines strike blow to New Zealand's World Cup hopes
Fresh from their first-ever WWC victory against Norway last time out, New Zealand started positively and the tournament co-hosts probed for an opening against the resolute Philippines defence.
However, the Ferns could not find the desired spark to create a clear-cut chance and were soon punished by Bolden, who headed in from Sara Kristine Eggesvik’s cross to give the Philippines their maiden WWC goal.
New Zealand looked to bounce back quickly and Ali Riley’s whipped low cross fell to an unmarked Jacqui Hand in the penalty area but the forward scuffed her shot high and wide at the vital moment, as they tried to find an equaliser before HT.
Yet again, New Zealand controlled proceedings after HT and the Ferns started to look more threatening in attack.
Hannah Wilkinson almost notched her second WWC goal with a glanced header that flew inches over the crossbar before Hand’s first-time strike from the edge of the area smashed against the foot of the post.
Eventually, the two strikers combined and Hand’s flicked header from Wilkinson’s cross dipped into the net, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.
In the closing stages, the Ferns showed plenty of willingness to find an equaliser. But a lack of cutting edge prevented any serious challenge as Jitka Klimková’s side were humbled following their prior heroics against Norway.
The Philippines were rewarded for their defensive solidity and Bolden’s clinical finish keeps the nation in contention for what would be a remarkable qualification for the WWC knockout stages.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Sarina Bolden (Philippines)
