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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Against all odds, brave Filipinas prove anything is possible

Against all odds, brave Filipinas prove anything is possible

Published Jul 25, 2023 10:50 am
Sarina Bolden has no doubt in mind that anything is possible for the Philippine women’s national team following its maiden win in the 2023 FIFA Women’s Cup against New Zealand, 1-nil.
*Sarina Bolden scores the Philippines' first-ever goal in the FIFA Women's World Cup.*

For her 22nd international goal, Bolden has picked the perfect time to tally it for the debutant. Bolden came through in the 24th minute off a header from a Sara Eggesvik cross to score the Filipinas’ first-ever goal against the hometown bet Ferns in the grandest football showpiece, which also happened to be their first clear shot attempt. That lone goal made the difference and proved to be the turning point in the match that saw the Philippines weather New Zealand's determined fightback for an equalizer. "Just overwhelming happiness, gratitude, [just] speechless. It’s a lot of feelings right now. We put a lot of work into this and almost two years of sacrifice, commitment, dedication, work. Been a lot of ups, been a lot of downs to be able to achieve this goal of ours, to get a win, to score," Bolden said. It wasn’t the Filipinas forward’s first time to take matters into her own hands, though, as she has been carrying the Philippines to greater heights starting in its epic qualifying penalty shootout victory against Chinese Taipei in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup that brought them to the World Cup. However, the tough climb doesn’t end with the first win as the Nationals are set to face world No. 12 Norway on Sunday, July 30. As it stands, the best scenario for the Philippines is to pull off another stunner against the Norwegians to solidify its hold on the top two. “Absolutely. I think anything is possible for us, for sure. Rest up and recover as quickly as possible. Go to another tough game. It’s not gonna be easy at all. But I have no doubt in my mind, I would do that again against Norway,” said Bolden. The Philippines is currently number two in the group stage with a 1-1 record and a -1 goal differential, owing it to its opening 2-nil loss to world No. 20 Switzerland four days ago. With the taste of the first victory, though, Bolden is confident of what the Philippines can manage and endure from here on. Likewise, Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel had a heroic defensive effort that saw her keep a clean sheet against the tireless onslaught of the Ferns. “The win means everything. I could care less about this (Player of the Match citation) and more than winning tonight and being able to win for my country and for my team and for my family and everybody,” said McDaniel. The duo of Bolden and McDaniel proved to be more than enough as the Philippines continued to fight to see another day in the biggest stage of all.

Related Tags

Philippine womens national football team Olivia McDaniel Sarina Bolden 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
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