WELLINGTON, New Zealand – For Alen Stajcic, the Filipinas’ win on Tuesday night at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup will go down as biggest moment in Philippine team sports history.
“I don’t know if there has been a bigger win,” said Stajcic after the Philippines’ 1-0 victory over New Zealand. “Obviously, [Manny] Pacquiao individually. But for team sport, it would have to be the best achievement in the history of the country.”
READ: Filipinas make history with 1-0 World Cup win over New Zealand
There is no question in Stajcic's mind that Tuesday’s win was the biggest achievement of a long, successful coaching career that includes leading Australia to two appearances in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
“How can you beat that?” said Stajcic when asked whether it is his best moment as a coach. “Beating the host nation in the World Cup. Without question, it’s number one.”
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Tears flowed freely for the Philippine team, Stajcic included, following the hard-earned win.
“It’s pretty raw,” said Stajcic. “It’s very emotional out on the pitch. Just seeing just about everyone, including staff members, every player crying. They spilled their tears in my eyes… It’s probably theirs. It was emotional for all of us.”
Stajcic said no country has ever accomplished feats at such a short time like the Filipinas, who did it through a collective effort and, more important, hardwork.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Stajcic. “When you hear the stories of how long it has taken other teams to win World Cup matches. New Zealand, it was their 16th match, five or six World Cups. Just watching Colombia and Korea before we left for the match, the commentator said that they both have one win each.
"I know Korea has been to at least four, five World Cups. You can’t really appreciate how far we’ve come back in the pack together with those countries in terms of their football history, their culture, their investment in women’s football. For us to be able to do this in 18 months.”
The win was highlighted by Sarina Bolden notching the Philippines’ first-ever goal in the Fifa Women’s World Cup in the 24th minute, and Olivia McDaniel making several stops in the second half.
Stajcic admitted luck also played a part in the win, with Jacqui Head’s shot rolling into the left post and her goal on a cross by Hannah Wilkinson being disallowed after a video review (VAR).

Stajcic though said the luck was also made by their work on the field.
“Of course, we rode our luck. Of course, New Zealand had three or four unbelievable chances. The VAR called, the side of the post, if it was a true reflection of the football match, they deserve something in the game.
"As I said, the unity, the work rate, the heart from the team is special. We had some luck but we also earned our luck. And for that, it’s a special moment in the history of the Philippines team sport,” said Stajcic.
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