In a surprising turn of events, the Women's World Cup witnessed a historic upset as the Philippines, one of the eight debutants at the tournament, shocked co-hosts New Zealand in Wellington.

The match was a golden opportunity for New Zealand to secure a spot in the knockout stages, following their unexpected victory over Norway on the opening day. However, the determined Philippines team had other plans.

The Philippines' moment of triumph came in the 24th minute when Sarina Bolden headed in Sara Eggesvik's well-placed cross, securing the country's first-ever goal in a Women's World Cup. The jubilant celebrations that followed showcased the team's immense pride and passion.

Throughout the game, New Zealand struggled to find a breakthrough against the resilient Filipino defense. The Philippines' goalkeeper, Olivia McDaniel, emerged as the hero in stoppage time, pulling off an outstanding fingertip save to deny New Zealand substitute Grace Jale's half-volley, which was destined for the bottom corner.

Despite the vocal support from the home crowd, New Zealand couldn't find an equalizer in the second half. The video assistant referee (VAR) disallowed Jacqui Hand's goal for offside, and earlier in the game, Hannah Wilkinson squandered a significant opportunity by heading a cross over the bar.

With this memorable victory, the Philippines showcased their potential on the world stage, leaving New Zealand and their fans disappointed by the missed chance to secure a place in the last 16.

Meanwhile, in Group A's other match, Norway faced Switzerland, with the latter eyeing qualification for the knockout stages with a victory.

Director General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has charged the Super Falcons of Nigeria to ensure they get the best result in their second Group B game at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against the tournament co-hosts, Australia.

The former Nigerian finance minister commended the Falcons for their hard-fought draw against Canada in their opening Group B game.

In a tweet on Sunday, Okonjo-Iweala wrote, “Hello Super Falcons! Congratulations on an incredible effort in your draw with Canada. Wishing you the best in the upcoming Australia match up!!!”

It was reported that the Super Falcons played a goalless draw with Canada on Friday, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozi saving a penalty to deny the North Americans all three points.

She sent her best wishes to the team as they now shift attention to the cracker against Australia on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Switzerland opened their 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over debutants the Philippines in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Ramona Bachman's penalty late in the first half opened the scoring for the Swiss before Seraina Piubel doubled their lead with a close-range effort in the 64th minute.

After a bright start for the Philippines, Katrina Guillou thought she had scored her nation's first World Cup goal when she found the back of the net after 16 minutes, but it was swiftly ruled out for offside.

The Philippines, playing in their first World Cup - men's or women's - got off to a promising start, pushing forward and disrupting Switzerland's possession.

However, after Guillou's effort was disallowed, the Swiss grew into the match. They put the Philippines on the back foot, with Geraldine Reuteler and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic missing close-range chances.

Inka Grings' side was finally rewarded for their efforts when, after a video assistant referee review, they were penalised for a late challenge by Jessika Cowart, who misjudged her clearance and kicked the ankles of Coumba Sow.

Paris St-Germain forward Bachmann calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner past an unmoving Olivia McDaniel to give her side the lead just before the break.

Switzerland were dominant throughout the second half and doubled their lead after a McDaniel double save from Crnogorcevic and Sow eventually found the ball in the path of Piubel, who latched onto it for an easy tap-in.

Newly promoted Burnley have signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a four-year deal worth up to £19m with add-ons.

City have a 20% sell-on clause and a buy-back option within the deal, which is £15m up front and £4m add-ons.Trafford, 20, is yet to appear in the Premier League and has spent the previous two seasons on loan in League One with Accrington and Bolton.

Burnley face champions City in their top-flight opener on 11 August.

Newly promoted Burnley have signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a four-year deal worth up to £19m with add-ons.

City have a 20% sell-on clause and a buy-back option within the deal, which is £15m up front and £4m add-ons.

Trafford, 20, is yet to appear in the Premier League and has spent the previous two seasons on loan in League One with Accrington and Bolton.

Burnley face champions City in their top-flight opener on 11 August.

Switzerland opened their 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over debutants the Philippines in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Ramona Bachman's penalty late in the first half opened the scoring for the Swiss before Seraina Piubel doubled their lead with a close-range effort in the 64th minute.

After a bright start for the Philippines, Katrina Guillou thought she had scored her nation's first World Cup goal when she found the back of the net after 16 minutes, but it was swiftly ruled out for offside.

The result moves Switzerland to the top of Group A, above co-hosts New Zealand on goal difference.

The Philippines, playing in their first World Cup - men's or women's - got off to a promising start, pushing forward and disrupting Switzerland's possession.

However, after Guillou's effort was disallowed, the the Swiss grew into the match and put the Philippines on the back foot with Geraldine Reuteler and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic missing close-range chances.

Inka Grings' side were finally rewarded for their efforts when, after a video assistant referee review, they were given a penalty for a late challenge by Jessika Cowart, who misjudged her clearance and kicked the ankles of Coumba Sow.

Paris St-Germain forward Bachmann calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner past an unmoving Olivia McDaniel to give her side the lead just before the break.