The Philippines, one of eight debutant teams at the FIFA Women's World Cup, became the first of those to score a goal at the tournament and win a game defeating co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 in Wellington.

A 24th minute goal from Sarina Bolden, headed in from close range following a right-wing cross from Sara Eggesvik was enough to defeat the Kiwis who had themselves recorded their first-ever World Cup victory at the 16th attempt in the Opening Match of the tournament in Auckland on Thursday.

Bolden had also given the Philippines the lead when the two teams had met each other in a friendly match played in California last September only for New Zealand to rally and come back to win 2-1 with two late goals.

This time, they held on to record a landmark victory despite a scare in the 68th minute when Jacqui Hand thought she had headed in an equalizing goal. After a long delay, the referee reviewed the action and disallowed the goal for a marinal offside earlier in the play.

In the 93rd minute, Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel ensured the victory with a stunning one-handed save at close-range from Grace Jale. Such was her performance, McDaniel was named Player of the Match by sponsors Visa, the first-time at the tournament the award was not given to a goalscorer.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Philippines' Australian-born coach Alen Stajcic admitted that game in New Zealand had been a turning point for his team "I remember walking off with Katrina at the end of the game and she was expressing the thought tĥat 'we can compete with these teams'. We've arrived at the point where we've improved significantly enough that we can go on the pitch and believe that we can win the contest. It was a really pivotal moment."

Born in Santa Clara, California, Bolden is one of 15 Philippines players in the current squad who has experience of playing soccer in the United States. Team-mate Katrina Guillou said "it was a great experience for myself. The way the season is, with everything condensed for three months-span, playing two games a week, it helps build the stamina that is needed in coming to this level. I think I've been able to build on top of that."

The Philippines have moved level on points with New Zealand and Switzerland. They play their final group game against Norway in Auckland on Sunday needing another result in order to finish among the top two in Group A and have a chance to qualify for the Round of 16.

Whatever the result on Sunday, Stajcic admits winning hearts in the Philippines will be an uphill battle considering soccer is not the number one sport in the country. "We need to do everything we can to bolster the support for the sport, for women's football, and make sure we use these moments and treasure them and really build on them, not only for now, but build a legacy for the future as well."