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    Surreal feeling for Filipinas as 'mind-blowing' accomplishment sinks in

    Stajcic beaming with pride as he recalls Filipinas' journey from minnows to world beaters
    Jul 25, 2023
    filipinas celebrate world cup win over new zealand
    PHOTO: AP

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Tears of joy flowed for the Philippine team following a historic victory over New Zealand in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup on Tuesday.

    Sarina Bolden and Sara Eggesvik, central figures in the Philippines’ match winner over the World Cup co-host, struggled to fight back tears when they appeared before mediamen in the mixed zone.

    READ: Philippines pulls off stunning win over New Zealand

    Even head coach Alen Stajcic, who stood stoically in the sidelines after Bolden scored the historic goal in the 24th minute, was also seen in tears during the celebration on the field shortly after the victory.

    “It feels overwhelming. Crazy. It feels like I’m in a dream right now. Doesn’t feel real. But I’m really happy and proud that I can do that for Philippine soccer,” said an emotional Bolden.

    Sara Eggesvik filipinas vs new zealand world cup

    Bolden headed home the Philippines' first-ever World Cup goal off a cross from Eggesvik and the Filipinas held on in an agonizing second half thanks to the defense of goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.

    “This is really something special,” said a teary-eyed Eggesvik.

    Sarina Bolden celebrates her historic first-half goal for the Filipinas.

    Stajcic recalled with pride a journey that started with the Philippines going through the qualifiers for the AFF Women’s Asian Cup last September 2021.

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    “This team that was ranked in the 60s and 70s, a few months ago, we were struggling to beat Nepal and Hong Kong in a playoff. They needed last-minute winners. They had to come from behind just to get past Nepal and Hong Kong to get into the Asian Cup, to now winning and beating New Zealand at home in a World Cup.

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      “It’s just staggering, miraculous, and unbelievable what the players have done. It’s just mind-blowing,” said Stajcic as he recalled the road the Filipinas went through to be in this position.

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      PHOTO: AP
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