A goal either side of half-time saw Switzerland take down the Philippines 2-0 in Dunedin.
- Philippines play out first-ever World Cup game
- Ramona Bachmann and Seraina Piubel score either side of half-time for Switzerland
- Inka Grings’ side become first to score twice this tournament
Philippines 0-2 Switzerland | Group A
Goalscorers: Ramona Bachmann (P) (45′); Seraina Piubel (64′)
Switzerland entered pole position in Group A as they defeated FIFA Women’s World Cup™ debutantes Philippines 2-0.
Ramona Bachmann and Seraina Piubel were the goalscorers for the Swiss, who become the first team at Australia & New Zealand 2023 to hit the back of the net more than once.
Match review
The Philippines thought they had made the dream start to their Women’s World Cup debut after a quarter of an hour when Katrina Guillou pounced on a ball over the top, rounded the goalkeeper, and put the ball in the back of the net. However, celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.
Switzerland began to make their presence felt as the half wore on, and would eventually break through a stubborn Filipina rearguard right at the end of the first half. Coumba Sow was brought down in the box, giving Ramona Bachmann the opportunity to fire the Nati into the lead via the spot.
They doubled their lead in the 64th minute. Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic’s shot was well saved by Filipino goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, as was the follow-up from Sow, but she was helpless to deny Seraina Piubel who was in the right place at the right time to score her first competitive international goal.
The Philippines pushed hard to equalise but their European counterparts would prove too strong, as Switzerland soared to the summit of Group A.
Key stat
Ramona Bachmann is now Switzerland’s top scorer outright at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ with four goals, moving one ahead of Fabienne Humm (3).
Her penalty was the fourth awarded at Australia & New Zealand 2023, meaning there has been a spot-kick every match so far.
VISA Player of the Match
Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland)
Quotes
“This may be our first time out here but it doesn’t feel like it. We have way more to give. We’re going to look forward to the next one and bring it as hard as we can.” – Olivia McDaniel, Philippines goalkeeper
“I was totally nervous before the match and then I also score. I can’t find words for that, I’m full of emotions and very grateful.” – Seraina Piubel, Swiss goalscorer
fifa.com
