TheCable

The Philipines’ female national team, debutants at the ongoing Women’s World Cup, stunned New Zealand, the co-hosts, with a 1-0 victory in their second Group A match at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Tuesday.

The Asian side scored the only goal of the match in the 24th minute through Sarina Bolden to dent New Zealand’s hope of a smooth advance into the round-of-16.

The victory is the Philippines’ first-ever win and points in Women’s World Cup history.

Bolden, who plays professional club football in Australia, delivered the winning goal via a header from a cross that Victoria Esson, New Zealand goalkeeper, fumbled into the net.

The Ferns, who also stunned Norway for their first-ever win in the opening match of the World Cup, dominated possession and chances created but were profligate in front of goal.

The Philippines would need to deliver another shock result against Norway in their final group match on Sunday to qualify, while New Zealand will slug it out with Switzerland.

In other matches, Linda Caicedo, an 18-year-old ovarian cancer survivor, led Colombia to a 2-0 win over Korea Republic to begin their tournament on a winning note, while Switzerland and Norway ended their encounter goalless.

RESULTS

• New Zealand 0-1 Philippines
• Colombia 2-0 Korea Republic
• Switzerland 0-0 Norway