It wasn’t quite the fairytale ending in New Zealand/Australia that every Filipino had hoped for.
But more than the aborted stint of the Filipinas in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Philippine national women’s team has managed to establish history in its magical debut on football’s biggest stage.
1st appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Prior to the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Philippines has never qualified in the quadrennial international football competition. But after its semifinal finish in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the Philippines finally sealed its inclusion in the 2023 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Its historic stint included matches against Switzerland, New Zealand, and Norway.
World Cup bound for the first time in their HISTORY! Welcome to the #FIFAWWC 2023, Philippines 🇵🇭! 🙌#BeyondPictureness pic.twitter.com/2yE4yjIiYL
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) January 30, 2022
1st goal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Not contented with just making a cameo in the tournament, the Filipinas scored a goal in the World Cup thanks to Sarina Bolden, who etched her name in football history for delivering such a memorable moment for the Philippines. The historic header was made during the 24th minute of the Philippines’ match against co-host New Zealand. The country’s first-ever goal was a result of Sara Eggesvik’s pass to a rushing Bolden, who managed to evade goalkeeper Victoria Esson before hitting the net.
𝑻𝑯𝑬 moment of the first half! 👏
Will Philippines claim their first-ever #FIFAWWC win? 🇵🇭
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2023
1st win in the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Bolden’s historic header resulted in the Philippines’ first-ever win in the prestigious football tournament, creating new possibilities for Philippine football. The Filipinas managed to stun co-host New Zealand, 1-0, right in front of 32,357 screaming fans in Wellington. The win against New Zealand gave the Philippines the unexpected opportunity to qualify for the Final 16 in the 32-team field.
Firsts are always special!
Sarina Bolden writes history with the Philippines' first-ever #FIFAWWC goal, securing their first-ever victory and today's #SpotlightOfTheDay.
Gamechanger. 🇵🇭🔥 @Budweiser. pic.twitter.com/jby8LYLZUT
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2023
The Philippines was eliminated via its 6-0 loss to world-class Norway last Sunday. But from the looks of it, the country’s first-ever stint in the FIFA Women’s World Cup will not be the last.
