Philippines loses the opening match of the World Cup 2023
* Scores: Bachmann pen 45', Piubel 64'
The Philippines actively backed down to wait for the opportunity to counterattack in the match at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon, July 21, Hanoi time. In the 16th minute, a long shot from the home field gave Katrina Guillou the opportunity to trick goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann and hit the empty net. But the Filipino player was only happy for a moment, before the referee waved the flag to warn Guillou was offside.
Thanks to the possession of multi-racial players and familiarity with the cold weather, and good body shape, the Philippines competes well in hand-to-hand combat. Switzerland looked to a pair of quality strikers Ramona Bachmann - Ana Crnogorcevic in attacks, but it was not until the 43rd minute that the European representative had a clear opportunity.
Coumba Sow was kicked in the leg by Jessika Cowart inside the box, and Switzerland were awarded a penalty after the referee consulted VAR. On the 11m mark, Bachmann easily fooled Olivia McDaniel to open the scoring. This is also the first goal scored in the first half since the start of the 2023 Women's World Cup.
In the second half, the Philippines tried to attack more, but it was not easy to get on the ball when Switzerland controlled the game well. In the 64th minute, goalkeeper McDaniel saved two consecutive kicks from Crnogorcevic and Sow, but was powerless before Seraina Piubel's third shot.
The Southeast Asian representative tried to find an equalizer in the last 30 minutes, including compensation time. Even goalkeeper McDaniel stepped up to attack in some set pieces. However, the score 2-0 was maintained until the end of the match.
This result helps Switzerland lead Group A with three points, equal to the host New Zealand, but more than the goal difference (+2 vs. +1). The Philippines is at the bottom of the table, followed by Norway.
Philippines: Olivia McDaniel, Jessika Cowart, Hali Long, Sofia Harrison, Alicia Barker, Jaclyn Sawicki, Sara Kristine Eggesvik, Angela Beard, Quinley Quezada, Sarina Bolden, Katrina Guillou
Switzerland: Gaelle Thalmann, Julia Stierli, Noelle Maritz, Luana Buehler, Eseosa Aigbogun, Geraldine Reuteler, Coumba Sow, Lia Waelti, Seraina Piubel, Ana Crnogorcevic, Ramona Bachmann.