The Philippines gatecrashed New Zealand’s get together on Tuesday with a shocking 1-0 upset of the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts however coach Alen Stajcic mentioned the celebrations should be minimize quick because it has to organize for its ultimate group recreation towards Norway.
The World Cup debutant misplaced its opener towards Switzerland and confronted lengthy odds towards a New Zealand facet ranked 20 rungs above it, taking part in in entrance of a packed home of loyal house followers in Wellington.
But Stajcic had promised to “crash the party” and his facet succeeded due to a Twenty fourth-minute header from striker Sarina Bolden, killing the excitement from New Zealand’s personal shock upset of former winners Norway just some days in the past.
Read: Philippines wins first-ever FIFA World Cup match after beating co-host New Zealand
New Zealand’s hopes of at the very least drawing the match following Jacqui Hand’s header within the 68th minute have been dashed after the objective was dominated out for offside and its frantic stoppage-time efforts yielded no success.
“It was very emotional out on the pitch,” mentioned Stajcic, who instructed reporters that gamers and workers shed tears.
“To think that we’ve done it in our second match in our first World Cup… the unity and work rate and heart from the team was special. We had some luck but we also earned our luck.”
The gamers walked hand-in-hand to the stands the place they bowed in entrance of cheering and flag-waving followers.
But with the showdown with 1995 winners Norway looming in Auckland on Sunday, Stajcic mentioned the celebrations can be quick and candy.
“There is no celebration, to be honest. They’ll celebrate until midnight,” mentioned Stajcic.
“Tomorrow it’s back to work. Job’s not done. It’s very important that we switch back into competition mode and think about what we have to do in the last game to try to squeeze out of this group.”
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com