THE Philippines dropped a 2-0 decision to Switzerland in its first-ever appearance in the Fifa Women’s World Cup stage on Friday at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Ramona Bachmann scored on a penalty kick in the 45th minute following a contentious foul, but world No. 20 Switzerland later showed its quality with a goal by Seraina Piubel off a rebound in the 64th.
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The Filipinas ranked No. 46 in the world had a promising start with Katrina Guillou scoring a goal in the 15th that was later ruled offside. But the Filipinas got a bad break in the closing moments of the first half that led to the first goal.
Coumba Sow went down on a challenge by Jessika Cowart inside the penalty box, later ruled a foul by referee Vincentia Amedome following a review through the VAR or the video assistant referee system.
Bachmann stepped in for the spot kick, with the Paris Saint-Germain striker calmly slotting in the goal against Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel to put the Swiss in command at halftime.
Piubel gave the Nati the second goal on a rebound following two consecutive saves by McDaniel that the Filipinas were unable to clear, enough for Switzerland to secure the full three points and the lead in Group A.
The Group A match drew an attendance of 13,711 in a brand-newvenue that can fit over 30,000.
The Filipinas will look to bounce back against host New Zealand on July 25 in Wellington.
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