Last week saw New Zealand make history as they pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over Norway to kick off their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign on the right foot. Prior to that win, the Ferns had never won a World Cup tie, and the result certainly had their fans buzzing with excitement ahead of matchday two.
Meanwhile, the Philippines, who are one of eight debutants at this summer's tournament, were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland in their first World Cup tie. Although the result was naturally disappointing, it clearly didn't knock the wind out of their sails as fans would see in their next match.
Earlier on Tuesday, New Zealand took on the Philippines, with a potential spot in the round of 16 at stake. A win for the Ferns would give them automatic access ahead of their final match against Switzerland, while any other result could set up a scramble for a knockout berth on matchday three. As for the Philippines, they were staring at the prospect of a quick exit unless if they could get at least a point from this game.
Indeed, football's beauty is its unpredictable nature, and Sarina Bolden's first half goal not only helped her write her name in the history books, but also secured a massive win for the Philippines. Bolden, who was born in the United States and plays her club football for Western Sydney Wanderers, netted a brilliant header in the first half to ensure that the Philippines just may be able to pull off the total unexpected - a spot in the knockout rounds.
Norway's woes continue
After losing 1-0 to New Zealand on matchday one, the pressure was on Norway to try to make amends against Switzerland. The Scandinavian side have qualified for the knockout rounds in seven of their last eight World Cup appearances, but are looking set to make an early exit after another poor showing against Switzerland.
A bore draw was the result, marking the second scoreless result after Canada and Nigeria were unable to score in a tense battle on matchday one. Arguably, Switzerland will be the happier of the two teams, as they now have four points which puts them on top of Group A, while Norway, following the Philippines' win, have just one point.
It's not fully over just yet - they will need to beat the Philippines by a resounding margin and hope that New Zealand also defeat Switzerland if they want to have a shot - but unfortunately for Norway, their fate isn't entirely in their own hands at this point.
No luck for South Korea - but still history was made
South Korea's Casey Phair made history as the American-born striker is now the youngest ever player to feature at a Women's World Cup. Unfortunately for the 16-year-old, her introduction as a sub did little to change the game, as Colombia picked up a vital 2-0 win to put themselves in a good position to potentially qualify for the knockout rounds.
Fellow teenager Linda Caciedo had an excellent outing, netting Colombia's second goal to put the game to bed and now, they will prepare to take on European giants Germany in what will be their toughest test yet. Meanwhile, Phair and her teammates at South Korea will hope to regroup when they face debutants Morocco in their second game in a few days' time.
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