A historic moment was born on New Zealand soil in the opening match of the Women's World Cup - the New Zealand women's soccer team wrote a new chapter by winning in the final week for the first time. This time, they face the Philippines, who are in the final week for the first time, and are expected to continue their success and earn a ticket to the Round of 16.
In the final week of the tournament, the hosts, New Zealand, had a big game against Norway and were looking for a victory. Despite the added pressure of playing on home soil and having their first match against the previous champions, the fans were the driving force behind the match. New Zealand beat Norway 1:0 after a series of brilliant combinations, with Hannah Wedgenson striking the final blow. She will undoubtedly be the key to the team's offense in this match, and the Philippines will have to guard against her breakthroughs in the penalty area.
With Norway's onslaught, captain Ali Riley has been solid in the backline and will lead her teammates to fend off the Philippine attack in this match. And Beth Wahl, who conceded a penalty kick in the previous match, is expected to thread the needle for her teammates again in the midfield to pound the Philippine goal.
For the Philippines, who are advancing to the final week of the Women's World Cup for the first time, the performance was good enough to warrant recognition despite losing 0-2 against Switzerland. Her goal could have been deemed valid had it not been for the offside of Kareena Guru, but I'm sure they will have more chances to control the ball against New Zealand. Strikers Kareena Guru and Shalena Boldan will be looking to make their debuts in the World Cup final week.
However, New Zealand's morale is high at the moment and it is expected that Philippine goalkeeper Davies McDaniel will face another busy challenge in this match after a number of great saves against Switzerland.
