Sarina Bolden of the Philippines celebrates after the FIFA Women’s World Cup match between New Zealand and Philippines on July 25, 2023 in Wellington. Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN
AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Sarina Bolden expressed her admiration to Filipino fans who came out and supported the team’s short but memorable campaign in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
The Filipinas missed out on a spot in the round-of-16 after a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Norway here, but not before playing before most of the 32,000 fans turned Eden Park into a virtual home match with flags, scarves and signs visible all over the iconic ground.
“We do this for you, guys,” Bolden said. We know so many people have come out just to watch us. It’s freezing right now, and some even brought their kids to watch the game.
“But we appreciate every single person that showed up for us, and was yelling and screaming, and was walking on the streets, chanting and stuff,” added Bolden.
The support given to the Filipinas has been loud and clear since their World Cup debut last July 21 in Dunedin.
Philippines players gesture to supporters at the end of the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between Norway and Philippines at Eden Park stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, Sunday, July 30, 2023. Norway defeated Philippines 6-0. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Members of the Filipino community and those back home and in other parts of the globe have converged at fan festivals and outside of the venues prior to kickoff to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Loud cheers also reverberated around Wellington Regional Stadium where Bolden scored the winning goal in the Filipinas’ upset of co-host New Zealand, a landmark moment for the World Cup debutants.
Philippine-related World Cup items are also a hot commodity at official stores at stadiums, with the search for scarves, headwear, keychains and magnets being as massive of a challenge as the Filipinas are when playing against formidable opposition.
Bolden and the Filipinas have also been aware and appreciative of viral videos of viewing parties in malls back in Manila and other cities around the country, a testament to the historic journey the team has pulled off.
“It’s just amazing to see,” Bolden said. “And for me, personally as a little girl, I dreamed of being in the World Cup, so like to see my dreams fulfilled in this way, just to see supporters come out, for us, it’s just amazing.”