The Philippine women’s football team failed to turn its dream fairytale debut into a reality with a 2-0 loss to world No. 20 Switzerland at the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand on Friday, July 21.

Philippines' forward #07 Sarina Bolden (C) dribbles during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group A football match between the Philippines and Switzerland at Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin on July 21, 2023. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama / AFP)

The world No. 46 Filipinas, who are entering the world’s biggest football showpiece as underdogs, showed strength and resiliency but it was still not enough topple their heavily favored and more experienced rivals.

For a moment, the tournament minnows thought they had taken an early lead after Katrina Guillou found the back of the net in the 16^th minute, but the goal was ruled out for off-side.

From then on, the Swiss steadied their ship following the scare and went for a more neat approach, pressing forward to break down the Filipinas’ defense.

The Philippines, though, remained in safe hands as Olivia McDaniel kept a clean sheet before Jessika Cowart was called for a foul inside the penalty box a minute shy of the halftime, giving Switzerland the opportunity to break the deadlock.

But it was Ramona Bachmann who broke the ice at the stroke of halftime, sending Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel the wrong way after the Swiss were awarded a penalty following a VAR decision.

The Philippines attempted tirelessly to bring itself out the back foot, but just couldn’t convert half chances after halftime.

McDaniel consistently came through for the Nationals after saving two consecutive shots from the Swiss’ close range attempts.

But on the third try in the 64th minute, Swiss midfielder Seraina Piubel slotted the second goal past the Filipinas goalie.

With less than an hour in regulation, Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic made a hopeful double substitution, with Meryll Soriano and Isabella Passion coming in for Sara Eggesvik and Quinley Quezada which continued for naught.

In the 85th minute, the Philippines looked its best once more when Sofia Harrison collected the ball inside the penalty box, but the left-footed attempt was just off target.

The Philippines seeks to bounce back and make its historic win when it clashes with host nation New Zealand at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Tuesday, July 25 at 1:30 p.m. (Manila time).