It was a chilly evening in Wellington, New Zealand however the news of the Philippines’ first purpose within the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was warmly acquired by the Filipino followers there and people all the best way in Manila.
In entrance of greater than 30,000 followers on the Wellington Regional Stadium, the Philippine girls’s nationwide soccer workforce fulfilled what was as soon as thought-about a pipe dream: a purpose and a win within the World Cup.
The Filipinas upset residence workforce New Zealand, 1-0, with Sarina Bolden making the historic first purpose for the nation in one among soccer’s greatest levels.
“I know how hard we had to work throughout that whole game before it was over,” mentioned Stajcic in a post-game press convention. “It was a special goal, the first goal for the country in history.”
And with the win coming in opposition to the house workforce no much less, Stajcic knew his reply when requested how he would rank the win amongst different milestones in his profession.
“Beating the host nation in a World Cup, nothing beats that. It’s No. 1,” said Stajcic.
As Bolden made the historic goal, emotions ran high as the Philippines did what seemed to be impossible at first.
“It’s very emotional on the market on the pitch. Just seeing everybody, employees, gamers, everybody crying. It was emotional for all of us, it is unbelievable,” said Stajcic.
“I felt numb about it nonetheless,” team captain Hali Long told GMA Integrated News.
“I have never absorbed it as a result of it is fully surprising. It feels electrical.”
Chants of ‘Isa pa!’ or ‘One more!’ drowned out the home crowd as Filipino fans asked for one more goal to seal the win.
“I feel it is the one factor I heard within the crowd. Even within the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) [Championship], that is the one factor I may hear. Not even my coaches or something,” added Long.
“That is gasoline and hearth to only dig deep.”
For now, the Filipinas will get ready to face world no. 12 Norway on July 30, with their fate in the tournament at stake.
“It’s going to be robust however something can occur. Bilog ang bola (the ball is spherical),” mentioned Long.
—Justin Kenneth Carandang, with reporting by Ryan Fenix/JMB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
