After basking in the glory of their successful opening match at the Women’s World Cup, co-hosts New Zealand are ready to face the Philippines on Tuesday and fight for a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time.

The Football Ferns proved their doubters wrong by beating Norway 1-0 in the tournament opener last week, recording their first-ever win at the World Cup. Before that game, the Ferns had not won any of their 15 previous World Cup matches across five appearances at the tournament.

The victory was even more special as 42,137 fans attended the game – a record crowd for a football game – men’s or women’s – in New Zealand.

Now, a new challenge awaits the Ferns as they gear up to face first-timers, the Philippines, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in their opening match.

The Swiss lead Group A with three points and a higher goal difference than New Zealand, who also have three points. A win on Tuesday would all but secure New Zealand’s berth in the knockouts – something they have not achieved before.

“We were celebrating the moment, I think we made history and enjoyed it,” Klimkova told reporters about their opening game. “It was a great evening and a great next day when we were smiling at each other. We were still in the mindset of the opening game, but the next day, we absolutely, refocused.

“We are controlling things that we can control, and what’s under our control is our focus. I have to say that this team has never been focused more. We are back on earth and ready to fight again.”

Klimkova, whose team had won only once this year before the World Cup, said the players are keen to build on their opening victory and want to grow into the tournament.

“We studied the Philippines even prior to the tournament and during their game against Switzerland. We understand how they play and we are prepared defensively, we want to have really organized shape and we want to possess and control the game as much as possible and win,” she added.

New Zealand faced the Philippines in a friendly in September last year, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Meikayla Moore and Ali Riley.

“Playing the Philippines in September was very helpful because we understand their principles, their tendencies and that should help us to be successful tomorrow,” Klimkova added.

The coach also heaped praise on the Philippines, who showed heart and courage in their defeat to Switzerland.

“They have had unbelievable growth and development. We were shocked by what we saw in the first half. When we were scouting them, they were a different team. It’s great for women’s football that we have opposition like the Philippines – they are growing and pushing us, pushing everybody who they are playing against,” Klimkova said.

“We are not going to have any easy games in the World Cup. Any opposition we face has a reason to be here, we are very humbled, and we know it will be hard, and that’s why we are preparing for the Philippines, the same way as we did against Norway.”