It was indeed a good football game between the Philippines and New Zealand.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell congratulated Team Filipinas for its historic win at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 as the embassy partnered with the Philippine Football Federation in hosting a live viewing event for the game in Quezon City.
The crowd went wild when Sarina Bolden came through from a Sara Eggesvik cross to score the Filipinas' first-ever goal against New Zealand's Football Ferns.
"Sa totoo lang, ngayong araw, naramdaman ko ang kapangyarihan ng Team Filipinas at ng kanilang mga tagahanga at tagasuporta (I have actually felt today Team Filipinas' power as well as their fans and supporters'). Both Football Ferns and Team Filipinas skillfully displayed a great fight," Kell said.
"We are immensely grateful to have organized this live viewing event with the Philippine Football Federation and to witness the fervent support for women's football. The camaraderie and unity displayed by everyone today are a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together," he added.
Photo courtesy of New Zealand Embassy in the Philippines
Also present during the viewing party was European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron, who said in an eventual Twitter post that Team Filipinas "made a history today."
"Congratulations @PilipinasWNFT!! I never lost faith," he said.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu, and the British Embassy in Manila also joined the Philippines in celebrating Team Filipinas' victory.
"Hooray for Team@PilipinasWNFT! Congratulations on your victory!" Carlson said. Her embassy also celebrated the victory by saying, Team Filipinas has made "herstory."
"I am as excited as any Filipino fan celebrating the big win of @PilipinasWNFT! Glad I got the chance to wish them luck at the trophy tour," Yu said.
"What a memorable moment for @PilipinasWNFT’s #FIFAWWC debut!," the British embassy, meanwhile, said.
Photo courtesy of New Zealand Embassy in the Philippines
Also present during the viewing party was European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron, who said in an eventual Twitter post that Team Filipinas "made a history today."
"Congratulations @PilipinasWNFT!! I never lost faith," he said.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu, and the British Embassy in Manila also joined the Philippines in celebrating Team Filipinas' victory.
"Hooray for Team@PilipinasWNFT! Congratulations on your victory!" Carlson said. Her embassy also celebrated the victory by saying, Team Filipinas has made "herstory."
"I am as excited as any Filipino fan celebrating the big win of @PilipinasWNFT! Glad I got the chance to wish them luck at the trophy tour," Yu said.
"What a memorable moment for @PilipinasWNFT’s #FIFAWWC debut!," the British embassy, meanwhile, said.