WELLINGTON – The Philippines gatecrashed New Zealand’s occasion on Tuesday with a surprising 1-0 upset of the Women’s World Cup co-hosts however coach Alen Stajcic stated the celebrations must be reduce quick as they’ve to arrange for his or her remaining group recreation in opposition to Norway.
The World Cup debutants misplaced their opener in opposition to Switzerland and confronted lengthy odds in opposition to a New Zealand facet ranked 20 rungs above them, enjoying in entrance of a packed home of loyal dwelling followers in Wellington.
But Stajcic had promised to “crash the party” and his facet succeeded due to a Twenty fourth-minute header from striker Sarina Bolden, killing the thrill from New Zealand’s personal shock upset of former winners Norway only a few days in the past.
New Zealand’s hopes of at the least drawing the match following Jacqui Hand’s header within the 68th minute had been dashed after the aim was dominated out for offside and their frantic stoppage-time efforts yielded no success.
“It was very emotional out on the pitch,” said Stajcic, who told reporters that players and staff shed tears.
“To assume that we have achieved it in our second match in our first World Cup… the unity and work price and coronary heart from the crew was particular. We had some luck however we additionally earned our luck.”
The players walked hand-in-hand to the stands where they bowed in front of cheering and flag-waving fans.
But with the showdown with 1995 winners Norway looming in Auckland on Sunday, Stajcic said the celebrations will be short and sweet.
“There isn’t any celebration, to be sincere. They’ll have a good time till midnight,” said Stajcic.
“Tomorrow it is again to work. Job’s not achieved. It’s essential that we change again into competitors mode and take into consideration what we’ve to do within the final recreation to attempt to squeeze out of this group.”
—Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
