Norway’s dominant performance sends Filipinas home after historic World Cup journey.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – The Philippine women’s football team’s groundbreaking run in the FIFA Women’s World Cup came to an end with a tough 6-0 loss to former champion Norway.
In a match where Norway showcased their scoring prowess, the Filipinas faced a daunting challenge on Sunday, July 30, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Hoping to secure a spot in the last 16 with an upset victory, the Filipinas, the first Philippine football team, male or female, to reach the World Cup, carried high hopes following a thrilling 1-0 win against New Zealand just five days ago.
However, Norway, the 1995 World Cup champion, started strong with a scoring spree led by Sophie Roman Haug’s hat-trick, securing their place in the knockout stages.
“We felt it was us against the world today and we performed from the very start, delivering when we really had to,” said Norway coach Hege Riise. “This was the best response we could have given the Norwegian people and ourselves.”
Despite their spirited efforts, the Filipinas couldn’t match Norway’s display of skill and had to settle for the bottom position in Group A after their historic win over New Zealand.
As the tournament unfolded, Norway proved their determination from the beginning, securing an early lead in the sixth minute with Roman Haug’s sensational volley. They continued to dominate, tallying a total of six goals against the Philippine team.
Despite the challenging loss, Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic praised the team’s heart and spirit, acknowledging their relentless effort.
The Norwegian side expressed satisfaction with their team victory and unity, securing a second-place finish in Group A behind Switzerland.
With their World Cup journey concluded, the Filipinas can be proud of their historic achievement in reaching the prestigious tournament. The team displayed resilience and determination throughout, making their mark on the world stage of women’s football.
While the path to victory may have come to an end, the Filipinas’ journey has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the sport and inspired generations of future players.
As the FIFA Women’s World Cup progresses, Norway will now advance to the last 16, setting their sights on Spain or Japan in their next challenge.
Despite the loss, the Filipinas’ achievements and perseverance have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, and the world has taken notice of their impressive display of skill and passion for the game.
Source: Rappler
