Soccer-New Zealand must regain grit after Philippines upset, says coach


Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group A - New Zealand v Philippines - Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - July 25, 2023 Philippines' Quinley Quezada celebrates with teammates after the match REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Co-hosts New Zealand must recapture their grit, coach Jitka Klimkova said on Tuesday after the team suffered a crushing blow at the Women's World Cup with a shock 1-0 loss to newcomers Philippines.

The Football Ferns began their campaign on a high last week after beating former champions Norway in front of a record crowd in Auckland, overcoming extraordinary odds to secure their inaugural World Cup win.

Only days later, however, they found themselves on the other side of the equation as underdogs the Philippines bucked the odds in Wellington to beat the co-hosts 1-0 in a scrappy performance.

"This sport," Klimkova said with a heavy sigh. "Five days ago we were celebrating and we were so excited. Today we didn’t get what we wanted and played for."

Forward Sarina Bolden fired a header in the 24th minute at New Zealand keeper Victoria Esson, who fumbled it into the net to give the Philippines their first-ever World Cup goal.

New Zealand's hope of equalising the affair, a header by forward Jacqui Hand in the 68th minute, was called offside.

"The grit I think was something that was more seen in the game against Norway," Klimkova told reporters.

"The physicality, how we were against Norway, was a little bit different today."

She has five days to prepare her players for their final Group A match against Switzerland in Dunedin, during which time she plans to refocus their effort on fine-tuning their attack, after a handful of missed opportunities cost them dearly.

"There was a lot of unforced turnovers that I hadn’t seen in the game against Norway... the execution today was not excellent," she told reporters. "(The) execution was missing."

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in Wellington, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

   

Next In Football

Soccer-Norgaard red card against Everton overturned on appeal
Soccer-FA investigating allegations referee discussed booking player before game
Soccer-Bellingham willing to adapt to help Real find winning formula
Kinoshi promises fans a top show from Selangor in AFC match against Thais
Soccer-Frustrated Enrique remains hopeful for PSG's progress in Champions League
Soccer-Leverkusen boss Alonso wants to help Wirtz shine more after huge Salzburg win
Soccer-Confidence fuels Atalanta's impressive form, says Gasperini
Soccer-City's Guardiola refuses to criticise players despite latest woeful display
Soccer-Inzaghi satisfied after unconvincing Inter snatch 1-0 win over Leipzig
Soccer-Elated Arteta revels in Arsenal’s thumping win at Sporting

Others Also Read