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    Sarina Bolden deflects the credit for historic game-winner

    It takes a village, says Filipinas heroine
    Jul 25, 2023
    Sarina Bolden celebrates her historic first-half goal for the Filipinas.
    PHOTO: ap

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Sarina Bolden deflected the credit for the Philippines’ first-ever goal in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup that ultimately led to the team’s historic win on Tuesday here.

    Bolden headed home the goal in the 24th minute for a 1-0 lead over the host country which they defiantly kept until the final whistle.

    READ: Filipinas' win the 'biggest ever by a Philippine team'

    Bolden will be written in history for the achievement but reiterated that it was a total team effort.

    “It doesn’t happen because of me. It happens for this whole team, my teammates, the staff that I’m in. It takes a village. I’m just happy I was able to contribute in some way,” said Bolden.

    For more stories about the Filipinas, click HERE

    The Filipinas star striker cited goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel as a perfect example after maintaining the clean sheet despite the enormous pressure put on her by a relentless New Zealand attack in the second half.

    McDaniel earned Player of the Match for her efforts that included a last-minute save against Grace Jale.

    “Liv (McDaniel) came up big with that save at the end. Without that save, the goal doesn’t even matter. I’m just really happy to get that win tonight,” said Bolden.

    filipinas celebrate world cup win over new zealand

    Bolden also credited Sara Eggesvik for the pass.

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    “Sara had a really good game. She is one of our key players. And I was kinda talking to her on the field like, ‘You need to get the ball wide and cross it in.’ I think we are dangerous in that moment. She did a great job to put that ball in.”

    “She has been doing that a bunch of times and I’ve been able to find the end of it sometimes. Just happy I was able to kinda get that ball in,” said Bolden.

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      Bolden said there were a lot of things that went through her mind after she scored the goal.

      “It was happening so fast. It was just, in my head, ‘Head it down. Head it down.’ Even then, I get worried about VAR. Was my armpit offside? Was something offside? Luckily, everything was okay and I just want to celebrate with my teammates on the sidelines.”

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      “Soccer gods were in our favor tonight,” said Bolden.

      Football gods were definitely on the side of the Filipinas, who had several close calls including the goal by Jacqui Hand that was later waived off after a VAR.

      When the goal was disallowed, Bolden said her teammates stepped up even further.

      “After that offside goal, I think we were like, ‘Okay, we really need to step it up now.’ That was our one chance and we cannot let that happen again.”

      “I think we definitely did our best defensively. Liv’s stop was amazing. Big shoutout to her for getting it done,” said Bolden.

      Needless to say, Tuesday's moment will stay with Bolden forever.

      “I will remember this one forever, for the rest of my life,” said Bolden. “I’m so happy to be part of it and make history with my teammates, staff, and everyone involved.”

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      PHOTO: ap
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