Goal machine Sarina Bolden may have been the heroine on offense as she scored the lone and winning goal during the Philippines’ first-ever victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the expense of host New Zealand on Tuesday at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.
On defense, the star of the show was Olivia McDaniel, who was so adept of her role as goalie that she earned the moniker “Olivia McSaver” from Filipino fans all over the world for saving countless attempts by the Ferns, as a playful nod to a popular fastfood promo of the same name.
Congratulations!
Social media exploded with congratulatory messages from Filipino fans, sending love and kudos to the Philippine national women’s football team when it made history and did the country proud by scoring its first-ever victory in theWomen’s World Cup at the expense of the hosts, 1-0, right at their own backyard in Wellington.
Sharing the spotlight in the stunning triumph were Bolden and McDaniel, the same familiar faces, who have catapulted the Filipinas to the world’s biggest stage.
After losing their debut to Switzerland, the Filipinas never lost hope and remained focused. And it showed against New Zealand.
Bolden Goal!
That was how many fans described Bolden’s golden goal in the 24th minute of the first half and it proved to be the game winner the Filipinas needed to complete the amazing story of a rookie team looking for a miracle of a win.
“Wow proud one here. Go go Philippines. Nothing is impossible,” said Jaymie Divinagracia.
McDaniel, the ever-unforgiving goalkeeper of the Philippine side, completed the Filipinas’ date with “herstory” by saving seven attempts, denying the Kiwis’ comeback in the second half and the five-minute extension.
During the Filipinas’ 0-2 loss to Switzerland on Friday, McDaniel was the lone bright spot with 6 saves.
Her efforts did not escape the imagination of Filipino fans, who nicknamed her “McSaver”.
“You deserve to win Filipinas! Kudos to Olivia McSaver!,” said Anne Esposo Halog.
“Idol Olivia McSaver Daniels! Congratulations Filipinas,” added Jo El Torres.
McDaniel, indeed, deserves all of the McLovin’.