![]() ![]() Klimková rolled the dice at halftime, bringing on Olivia Chance (Hassett) and Annalie Longo (Riley) to change the attacking formula. Most of the attacks were hopeful crosses into the middle, which were repelled. Hannah Wikinson couldn’t stretch out for an inviting Riley cross, while Katie Bowen dragged her shot wide of the post, after a foray forward. They upped the pace, but there was still a lack of snap, crackle and pop. The small but vocal contingent of Filipino supporters went nuts, while the rest of the crowd didn’t know quite where to look. Goalkeeper Vic Esson juggled the ball at the first attempt, but couldn’t keep it out, as the Asian nation celebrated their first World Cup goal. Betsy Hassett had a chance to clear – but couldn’t – and from the resulting cross striker Sarina Bolden climbed beautifully, out-jumping two defenders, to direct her header into the net. ![]() Still, the opening goal was a shock – and the ultimate sucker punch. The Philippines had hardly seen the ball in the final third, but the Ferns were out of sync and couldn’t take advantage of a mountain of possession and territory. There were a few early half chances, as Indiah-Paige Riley and Jacqui Hand got free on the flanks but no clear opportunities. Tawa local CJ Bott had a difficult first half, looking like she was trying too hard, with several misplaced balls and it was symptomatic across the team. The passing was a bit loose – and didn’t really improve as the half went on – and there was a tendency to go for the killer ball, instead of knitting play together. It was always going to be a tricky assignment, with so much expectation in the air, against a lesser opponent making their World Cup debut. ![]() Coach Jitka Klimková opted for the same starting XI, while fullback Michaela Foster was unavailable, due to an unspecified thigh injury.įrom the start, the Ferns couldn’t really settle. They came home strong in the final 30 minutes, but the Philippines defended stoutly, along with plenty of time wasting. ![]()
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