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| Sarina Bolden celebrates the Filipinas' historic first goal in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Mia Montayre/PFF |
MANILA--It took one header from Sarina Bolden to create one piece of Philippine football history.
Bolden's goal turned out to be enough as the Philippine women's football team scored its first-ever win in the FIFA Women's World Cup by beating co-host nation New Zealand, 1-0, on Tuesday at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
Bolden made great use of a set-piece in the 24th minute, converting a Sara Eggesvik free kick into a header that Victoria Esson could not save properly.
Olivia McDaniel kept a clean sheet for the Filipinas despite the Ferns attempting 15 shots with four on target but not without some sighs of relief in the second half.
Jacqui Hand came the closest to a legal goal for New Zealand as her 64th-minute shot hit the left post before McDaniel picked up the ball.
Hand thought she finally equalized for New Zealand as she headed in a Hannah Wilkinson back pass in the 68th minute, but after a video assistant referee review, Wilkinson was caught offside by a few inches.
McDaniel did have a clutch moment as she saved a close shot from substitute Grace Jale and a long-range effort from CJ Bott midway into stoppage time, which basically sealed both sides' fate.
The Filipinas are now tied with their victims and tormentors Switzerland in Group A with three points each.
The Filipinas settle for third place due to the goal difference.
Switzerland, however, has a chance to regain the solo lead with a win against Norway later Tuesday at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.
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