Fifa Women’s World Cup: Switzerland sour Philippines’ debut with 2-0 win
- Ramona Bachman and Seraina Piubel give European side victory in Group A encounter
- Philippines make history as first team from the country to appear at global football tournament
Switzerland made a winning start to their Women’s World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over debutants Philippines at Dunedin Stadium on Friday, thanks to Ramona Bachmann’s first-half penalty and a close-range effort from Seraina Piubel.
Inka Grings’ side were awarded a penalty by VAR after midfielder Coumba Sow was caught by a stray boot from Jessika Cowart in the box late in the first half, with forward Bachmann coolly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
“I wasn’t that nervous, but I knew it was an important moment,” Bachmann told reporters.
“I knew that it would be important for our team to get to half-time with a 1-0 so I was really focused and I obviously tried to score, but I feel quite confident in shooting penalties. So I was really calm.”
The Philippines, coached by former Matildas manager Alen Stajcic, made history as they became the first team from their country – male or female – to appear at the finals of a global football tournament.
And they were denied an early opener when midfielder Katrina Guillou’s strike was ruled out for offside.