Philippines was eliminated after a big loss in the 2023 World Cup
After defeating co-host New Zealand, the Philippines raised hopes of becoming the first Southeast Asian representative to qualify for the World Cup group stage. Their opponent in the last round is Norway, who are in bad shape: they only have one point after losing 0-1 to New Zealand and drawing Switzerland 0-0.
However, that dream was shattered in a brutal way. The Philippines did not score a goal, conceding six times, including an own goal and receiving a red card.
On the Eden Park field, the Philippines did not choose to play stalking, but actively pushed the team up. The representative of Southeast Asia seems to want to fight first, win to determine the ticket to continue without caring about the result of the match at the same time between Switzerland and New Zealand.
But, the rise caused the Philippines to reveal many gaps behind, creating opportunities for Norway to exploit. At the 6th minute, their net was up. Sophie Houg picked the right spot, picked up a corner from Thea Bjelde, headed in from a tight angle to put the ball past the reach of keeper Olivia McDanieli.
The early goal made the Filipino player somewhat shocked. They could not control the ball and the game, were constantly pressed. The Philippines squad consists of mostly players born and raised in Europe, with good physique, but still being exploited by Norway. The second goal until the 17th minute was still a cross for Sophie Houg, the difference is that this time "22" finished with the left foot.
The Philippines' hopes of winning a ticket disappeared in the first half with a third goal in the 31st minute. Caroline Hansen kicked the ball away from a clinging opponent, then turned, and finished sinking into the far corner.
The second half was even worse for the Philippines. Four minutes into the break, Alicia Barke scored an own goal as he returned to try to block Frida Maanum's cross. And just a minute later, it was Jaclyn Sawicki's turn to make a mistake, dragging Guro Reiten down in the penalty area. After consulting VAR, the referee gave Norway a penalty kick and Guro Reiten successfully performed it to increase the score to 5-0.
Tragedy does not stop with the Philippines. Sophia Harrisson was introduced to the field at the beginning of the second half but played only 15 minutes. She entered the ball dangerously with Thea Bjelde, and after consulting the VAR, the referee showed a direct red card.
Lack of people, Filipino players quickly exhausted and seemed to just want to end the match soon. However, the match was compensated for 11 minutes and they had to concede more goals. Sophie Houg completed her hat-trick with a header in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The striker could have made a poker if she'd stepped up at high speed, her beautiful dribbler wasn't denied by the post at the last minute.
Norway rose to second in Group A with four points, winning tickets to the 1/8 round, while the Philippines dropped to the bottom of the group. In the match at the same time, Switzerland drew the host New Zealand and topped the table with five points.
