Destiny on their hands, Pinays came to play and win

By Erel Cabatbat

THE Philippines registered probably the biggest win in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup yesterday against the heavily favored cohosts New Zealand, 1-0. Against all odds and despite playing erratically in the opening 30 minutes of the game, the Filipinas made the most of the rare opportunities given to them by the Football Ferns.

The Filipinas only had four shots at goal in the entire game, but scored the one that mattered most and their only shot at target, in the 24th minute via a Sarina Bolden header against two defenders that went past a backpedaling Victoria Esson.

The goal -- the first by the Philippines in World Cup history -- probably summed up the collective aspirations of a country hoping that its gritty Filipinas will somehow put up a good fight against the Kiwis. That somehow, they can put behind them their 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in their opening game. And to do that against the host nation is just a bonus.

Credit should not only be given to Bolden.

Olivia McDaniel played the game of her life in

FATEFUL BOBBLE. New Zealand’s goalkeeper Victoria Esson bobbles the ball over her head, conceding the winning goal headed in by the Philippines’ Sarina Bolden (in white) moments earlier despite Ferns defender Ali Riley close by. AFP

By Rio N. Araja and Joel E. Zurbano

FIREMAN IN WATER. A fireman puts a boy on his back while wading the flood-hit streets of Barangays Sum-ag, Pahanocoy. and Singcang-Airport in Bacolod City as heavy rains brought about by Super Typhoon Egay (inset storm track) caused waters to rise in low-lying areas in the city Tuesday (July 25, 2023). BFP-Bacolod City Fire Station

THE state weather bureau raised tropical cyclone wind signal no. 5 over the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands as super typhoon “Egay” (international name Doksuri) maintained its strength, threatening Northern Luzon. The storm’s effect on the “habagat” or southwest monsoon also caused widespread flooding as far south as Western Visayas, with residents of Bacolod City and its neighboring areas needing rescue from sudden chest-high floodwaters.