Women's World Cup Day 6: Historic win for Philippines, Norway in big trouble

It was an eventful Day 6 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

A pair of teenagers made headlines, the biggest upset of the tournament took place, and a former World Cup champion was pushed to the brink of elimination. 

Group H: Colombia 2, South Korea 0 (in Sydney) - Game stats || Report 

Group A: Philippines 1, New Zealand 0 (in Wellington) - Game stats || Report

Group A: Switzerland 0, Norway 0 (in Hamilton) - Game stats || Report

The next generation making a difference 

A crop of talented teenagers continues to shine and make history at this World Cup.  

Colombia marked its debut at this year’s tournament with an important win over South Korea, highlighted by Real Madrid forward Linda Caicedo’s goal just before halftime. It was an inspirational moment from the 18-year-old Caicedo in her World Cup debut, having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 15. 

In the second half, South Korea striker Casey Phair made history when she was subbed into the game. At 16 years and 26 days, she became the youngest player to ever appear in a World Cup match — women's or men's. Earlier in this tournament, Alyssa Thompson (18) became the youngest American player to play in a World Cup in two decades. Also, Giulia Dragoni (16) started for Italy in its opening game, and Sheika Scott (16) was subbed in for Costa Rica vs. Spain. 

An historic win for the Philippines 

Eighteen members of the Philippines’ 23-player roster were born in the United States, and it was two natives of California who helped guide the country to its first-ever World Cup win on Tuesday. 

Forward Sarina Bolden out-jumped two New Zealand defenders to score the game’s lone goal vs. co-host New Zealand, and the historic shutout win by the Philippines in its tournament debut was preserved by goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel. 

At No. 46, the Philippines is one of the lowest-ranked nations at this World Cup. Coming off a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in their Group A opener, they looked to be nothing more than fodder for 26th-ranked New Zealand, which was still riding high after earning its first-ever World Cup win over former champion Norway. But the Philippines rode their luck and took advantage of the Football Ferns’ lack of finishing in front of goal to pull off the biggest upset at this tournament thus far. 

Norway on the brink of elimination 

Much was expected of Norway coming into this World Cup. Boasting players the calibre of Graham Hansen and Syrstad Engen, who both just won the UEFA Champions League with FC Barcelona, the 12th-ranked Norwegians looked to be the favourite to win Group A and possibly even challenge to win the World Cup, having previously done so in 1995. 

But Norway is still looking for its first goal of this tournament and has now been shut out in three consecutive World Cup matches following its goal-less draw with Switzerland. Group A was thrown completely wide open earlier in the day with the Philippines’ stunning upset of New Zealand. Switzerland tops the group with four points, ahead of New Zealand and Philippines (three points), and Norway (one point). 

Norway was dealt a big blow just minutes before kickoff when star striker Ada Hegerberg was ruled out of the game after picking up a groin injury in the warmups. Without her, Norway struggled to break down the sturdy Swiss. The Norwegians are facing elimination squarely in the face, needing to win their final group stage game versus the Philippines in order to advance to the knockout round. An early exit would be disastrous for a Norway side that is coming off a weak showing at the 2022 European Championship.  

Goal of the Day  

In the 39th minute, Colombia’s Caicedo went on a surging run down the left side from midfield while breezing past several South Korean players before cutting inside and unleashing a curling shot from 20 yards out that was fumbled by goalkeeper Yoon Young-geul and nestled into the back of the net. 

Moment of the Day  

Forward Sarina Bolden’s header in the 24th minute vs. New Zealand was the Philippines’ first-ever goal at the World Cup and helped the country earn its first-ever win at the tournament. 

Quote of the Day  

"Obviously Linda [Caicedo] is a really big talent but we just gave her too much space. I used to play fullback, so I would just slide tackle here. … You cannot just shadow a player. Definitely we could have just slide tackled. No foul, win the ball, ball was free. Job done. You're a defender, defend." – South Korea coach Colin Bell. 

Three Stars of the Day  

1. Linda Caicedo, Colombia: The 18-year-old striker proved to be a genuine handful for South Korea to deal with, and her goal sealed an important win for the South Americans to throw Group H completely open. 

2. Gaëlle Thalmann, Switzerland: Norway had four shots on target, all of them dangerous. But the Swiss goalkeeper was equal to the task in coming up with key saves to help her team earn a crucial point.  

3. Olivia McDaneil, Philippines: The 25-year-old goalkeeper made five saves vs. New Zealand to help preserve a historic World Cup win for her country. 

Looking Ahead  

Canada plays its second Group B match on Wednesday vs. the Republic of Ireland in Perth (8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT), looking to rebound from a disappointing 0-0 draw vs. Nigeria last week. A win against the Irish would boost the Canadians’ hopes of moving on to the knockout round. A loss or a draw would most likely put the Olympic champions into a must-win situation in their group stage finale vs. co-host Australia on July 31 in Melbourne. Also on Wednesday, Spain faces Zambia and Japan takes on Costa Rica in Group C action, while the United States and the Netherlands clash in a marquee Group E contest.