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At Wellington Regional Stadium: Philippines 1 (Sarina Bolden 24’) Football Ferns 0. HT: 1-0
Group A points (games played): Switzerland 4 (2), Football Ferns 3 (2), Philippines 3 (2), Norway 1 (2)
Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková saw tears in her players’ eyes after they came away with nothing from their match against the Philippines at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
David Unwin/The Post
Football Ferns forward Hannah Wilkinson stands dejected after their loss to the Philippines at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
But she has vowed that they “will find a way” to get the result they need in their third and final group A match against Switzerland in Dunedin at 7pm on Sunday.
The Swiss drew 0-0 with Norway at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton later on Tuesday evening, a result that leaves those teams at the top and bottom of group A, with four points and one point respectively. In between them are the Ferns and the Philippines on three points, separated by goal difference (0 to -1).
A win for the Ferns over Switzerland will put them through regardless of what happens when Norway and the Philippines meet at Eden Park in Auckland at the same time, while a draw would leave them needing a draw in the other match, or a Norway win by a single goal while they finish with more or the same number of goals scored as Norway, as the tiebreaker that follows is the head-to-head result.
Three close calls defined the second match of New Zealand’s campaign at Wellington Regional Stadium – a shot against the inside of the post by Jacqui Hand, the Ferns’ standout player; an offside call by the video assistant referee against Hannah Wilkinson; and a top-drawer save from a Grace Jale volley in stoppage time.
With none of them falling the Ferns’ way, Sarina Bolden’s header for the Philippines midway through the first half decided the contest in her side’s favour.
The Ferns know all about historic wins, after their stunning victory against Norway in last Thursday’s tournament opener, but they now find themselves at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, with five days to turn things around.
“I could see tears in the eyes of our players,” Klimková said after Tuesday’s match.
There had also been tears five days previously, but those were of joy and these were of the pain of coming up short.
“I know how much it means for them to be here and to play in front of their friends and families and fans, so it is heartbreaking, but this is not over yet.
“We have still one game to go and we still have time to reset and refocus and get ready for the game against Switzerland.”
The Ferns started hot, creating several chances inside the opening 10 minutes, but they were not as composed as they had been against Norway and when passes didn’t stick, they found themselves committing unnecessary fouls.
Two in quick succession from co-captain Ria Percival led to the game’s lone goal, which was scored when the ball came back in from the right after the initial ball was only sent out to the side of the box.
Olivia Chance was an influential halftime substitute as the Ferns dominated the contest in the second half, but they still only generated a few clear-cut chances and ultimately none of the three key moments went their way.
Philippines coach Alen Stajcic said afterwards that his side “rode our luck” on their way to clinching their first World Cup win in just their second match – a feat that stands in stark contrast with the Ferns finally getting there in their 16th last week.
“New Zealand had three or four unbelievable chances … the VAR call and hitting the inside of the post. If there was a true reflection of the football match, they deserve something in the game.
“But the unity and work rate and the heart from the team was special. We had some luck, but we also earned our luck. It’s just a special moment in the history of Philippines team sport.”
The Ferns were due to fly back to their Auckland base on Tuesday night, with recovery on the cards on Wednesday and three days after that for them to prepare to defeat Switzerland.
“I believe there will be even more, bigger desire,” Klimková said of how her team would turn up on Sunday.
“We know we still have a chance. This group is focused, this group wants it.
“This group wants it for themselves, for the team, for the country.
“It means a lot. It means so much to everybody who is involved in this team.
“We will find a way.”
FIFA Women’s World Cup – group A
Remaining fixtures
Sunday, 7pm: Football Ferns v Switzerland; Dunedin Stadium
Sunday, 7pm: Philippines v Norway; Eden Park, Auckland
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