On Tuesday, a goal scored by California-born Sarina Bolden in the 24th minute gave the Philippines its first Women's World Cup victory, a 1-0 victory over New Zealand.
Bolden's header in the first half was the nation's first goal in the history of the competition.
The World Cup co-host appeared to have earned a way back into the game in the middle of the second half when Jacqui Hand's header drifted over a helpless Olivia McDaniel, but the goal was later dismissed by the video assistant referee (VAR) as offside.
The first-time World Cup participant withstood a late-game New Zealand onslaught, highlighted by a spectacular diving save by McDaniel, to secure a historic victory that set off outbursts of ecstatic jubilation.
Even with one game left in Group A, the Philippines may make more history by becoming the first of the debutant teams to advance to the knockout stages of the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Although Bolden can now play for either the United States or the Philippines, she had never been to Asia before she joined the national team. She has quickly become one of the team's most prominent figures.
Before the Women's World Cup, she told CNN, "Everyone's really excited for what's to come and to really shock the world."
“I know soccer isn’t the main sport in the Philippines… But 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.”
After the team's on-field accomplishments and historic qualification for the World Cup, Bolden said she has observed an increase in awareness and interest in the Philippines.
“I think the excitement is really growing from (the) grassroots. People are really trying to spread the word,” she said, sharing an anecdote in which her mother randomly approached a Filipino coworker to let them know that the women’s national team was playing in this year’s World Cup.
“I know people are talking, Filipino Americans especially, about how huge this is,” Bolden continued. “So I can imagine the word is spreading.”
Bolden, at 27 years old, broke the Philippines' all-time record for women's international goals with her last strike.
Despite its previous success (including a win in the initial group game), New Zealand was unable to make history and advance to the second round.
