A former coach of the Matildas was in tears on Tuesday after main his present workforce, the Philippines, to a historic first World Cup win.
The Philippines, whose coach Alen Stajcic was unceremoniously sacked by Australia in 2019, shocked co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 because of a first-half header by Sarina Bolden.
New Zealand created a string of second-half probabilities and had a objective disallowed however the Philippines held on for a well-known win in entrance of 32,357 in Wellington.
It was the Philippines’ first victory at both a males’s or girls’s World Cup and blows Group A large open.
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“I can’t believe what we have achieved,” stated tearful midfielder Sara Eggesvik.
“It shows that it’s possible to do something big.”
New Zealand’s last group match is in opposition to Switzerland on Sunday, the identical day the Philippines face Norway.
“It’s so heartbreaking for everyone in this team,” stated New Zealand’s Czech coach Jitka Klimkova.
“We played to win and it didn’t go our way. We were fighting until the end, but it wasn’t enough.”
On the eve of the sport in Wellington, Stajcic had stated his Philippines workforce needed to “crash the party” in opposition to a New Zealand aspect on a excessive after its opening 1-0 win over Norway.
Stajcic’s unfancied workforce, crushed 2-0 by Switzerland in its World Cup debut, was nearly as good as his phrase.
It scored the one objective after 24 minutes to stun the house crowd.
After New Zealand conceded a free-kick, Bolden outjumped the house defence to move the ball at house goalkeeper Victoria Esson, who may solely watch in horror as her tried parry looped over her into the online.
An emotional Stajcic stated post-game: “How can you beat that? Beating the host nation in a World Cup.”
“I’ve got everyone else’s tears all over my eyes,” he added, wiping his eyes.
The revered coach was sacked from his job as Matildas coach in 2019 after creating gamers like Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Ellie Carpenter into Australian worldwide stars.
Australian soccer followers lauded Stajcic for masterminding the Philippines to their first ever World Cup win that retains their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.
CODE Sports’ Adam Peacock tweeted: “Extraordinary. Spoke to Staj pre-tournament. He hinted at a miracle…”
This was a greater show from the Philippines — ranked forty sixth on the planet, 20 locations beneath New Zealand — in comparison with their opening defeat to Switzerland.
In distinction, New Zealand confirmed little of the self-confidence which carried them previous Norway for his or her first World Cup win on the sixteenth strive.
It may have been 2-0 on the break had Philippines ahead Katrina Guillou bought her shot on track simply earlier than the halftime whistle.
Klimkova threw on Celtic midfielder Olivia Chance and veteran Annalie Longo because the Football Ferns created plenty of second-half probabilities.
Hannah Wilkinson went agonisingly near equalising however her header flew simply over the bar.
Her ahead companion Jacqui Hand clattered her shot in opposition to the submit, then had a headed objective disallowed with 20 minutes left after replays confirmed the ball went out of play within the build-up.
With time operating out, New Zealand pushed exhausting for an equaliser, however failed to seek out their well past the resolute Philippine defence.
Originally printed as Sacked Matildas coach Alen Stajcic masterminds ‘miracle’ Philippines World Cup upset
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
