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Philippines goal scorer Sarina Bolden (7, Philippines) enjoys post match celebrations with local supporters. Sports Press Photo

Philippines women make history with stunning World Cup win

By Alyssa Clang | Last updated 7/25/23

Soccer isn't the most popular sport in the Philippines. Basketball and boxing have reigned there for decades.

After the Philippines women's national team's shocking 1-0 win over New Zealand on Tuesday at the World Cup, that balance might start to shift.

"I think by seeing us on the big screen, on the big stage, I think more people are going to be really interested and want to get into soccer," midfielder Sarina Bolden told reporters.

Before the victory, the Philippines had never won a World Cup match in men's or women's competition. The team's steady, well-deserved victory over New Zealand makes history for its nation — and blows Group A wide open.

Expected group winners Norway are now last with just one point. New Zealand and the Philippines are tied with three, while Switzerland leads with four. Each team still has a chance to qualify for the knockout rounds with just one game remaining.

Bolden, arguably the Philippines' star player, proved to be the difference in the win. Her 24th-minute header was enough to seal a win for her nation.

SARINA BOLDEN WILL NOT BE DENIED FROM CLOSE RANGE

Philippines gets its first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup Goal! pic.twitter.com/RflEAtLbIZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 25, 2023

But Bolden's history with the Philippines is unique. Before joining the national team, she had never actually been to the country. She was born in California and now plays her club soccer in Australia.

Instead, Bolden — and many of her teammates — are proud members of the global Filipino diaspora. They believe that their unique perspective elevates their national team by mixing the uniting element of Filipino culture with influences from all around the globe.

"It really didn't matter how long anyone's been on the team, or if we grew up in the States or Manila," midfielder Tahnai Annis told the Guardian of meeting her World Cup teammates. "We have some girls that grew up in Canada and Norway. We're everywhere.

"Then, when we're together, it's not about where we grew up or where we live. Everyone knows we share the same blood and we're family."

The result against New Zealand is the first World Cup victory for a 2023 tournament debutant. (Vietnam, Morocco, Haiti, Portugal, Panama, Ireland and Zambia are the other first-time entrants.) It's a fantastic sign that proves the talent gap is shrinking between traditional powerhouses and newcomers in women's soccer.

For the Philippines, it's a lifeline that could see the team set another "first" in a World Cup full of them: qualifying for the knockout rounds. If the Philippines can bring this positive momentum into their final game with Switzerland, it will be awfully hard to doubt them.

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