Philippines Shock New Zealand: Women’s National Team Secures First-Ever World Cup Win
Even as Californians!
The Philippines women’s national team achieved a historic upset by defeating co-hosts New Zealand with a stunning 1-0 victory, a FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup win. The momentous win marks a significant milestone for a team that, only a decade ago, was a struggling underdog.
Not too long ago, the Philippines women’s national team was considered a soccer minnow, facing too many challenges and struggles. They trained with mismatched kits on poorly-maintained fields, often missing out on qualifying tournaments altogether.
It wasn’t until their groundbreaking World Cup upset that the team could see their fortunes had changed and that their FIFA women’s world cup standings had lurched and that the world cup odds had been shaken up, not stirred.
The Mastermind Behind the Transformation
At the heart of this impressive transformation is Butchie Impelido, an IT worker from Chicagoland, who had actually no intentions of building a FIFA Women’s World Cup team.
His journey began when he convinced his eldest daughter, a Filipino American college student, to try out for the Philippines national team in 2005. This marked the start of a Pinay pipeline that brought in hundreds of Filipina American girls to tryouts in Southern California.
The players, regardless of where they were born, strove to play with pride and love for the Philippines, embracing their heritage as daughters or granddaughters of Filipino immigrants from the 20th century. It was this heartfelt dedication that led them to achieve what seemed improbable just a short while ago—a memorable upset at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Heroes of the Win
Key players like Sarina Bolden and Olivia McDaniel, both U.S.-born, played pivotal roles in this historic win. Bolden, a forward at Loyola Marymount, caught the attention of the team during tryouts in 2017; six years later, she would be making history by scoring the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal. Did the Philippines shock New Zealand? Yes, they certainly did, and it is what it is.
On the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, daughter of a Filipina mother and soccer-coach father, showcased an exceptional performance, making a crucial save during stoppage time to secure the unforgettable victory.
A Resounding FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup Win
The team’s path to success was paved with resilience, passion, and support. Despite facing skepticism and financial constraints, the Philippines women’s national team persevered.
The financial backing from Filipino businessman Jeff Cheng and the appointment of respected coach Alen Stajcic marked a turning point. With newfound resources and professionalism, the team’s potential flourished.
As celebrations erupted in Wellington and Filipino communities worldwide, the triumph of the Philippines women’s national team will forever be etched in history. Their remarkable journey from underdogs to World Cup winners inspires sports fans around the globe and serves as a testament to the power of unity, heart, and unwavering determination.
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