DUNEDIN, New Zealand — Switzerland took advantage of debutant Philippines’ defensive mistakes and carved out a 2-0 victory Friday in their group match at the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Top Swiss striker Ramona Bachmann delivered the crucial first goal on a penalty kick in the 45th minute mark off a Jessika Cowart’s miscue inside the box before Seraina Piubel put the game in the bag for 20th-rated Switzerland with a hit from point-blank range in the 65th.
Ranked 46th, the Philippines thought it had drawn first blood as early as the 16th minute when Katrina Guillou struck from the right wing after getting past a defender.
But Togo referee Vincentia Abedome ruled it as an off-side, leaving the small but lively Filipino crowd that joined the 13,000 plus others heartbroken.
While acknowledging that the Swiss were the better overall side, Australian coach Alen Stajic was mildly puzzled the referee awarded the penalty kick to the Swiss.
“Did you see it the offense of Stewart? Was it clear? I did not see the replay, but if it is a penalty it should be clear,” Stajcic asked an interviewer.
“But it has to be admitted that the Swiss were dominant during the last 10-minute period and when you work that hard, you create your own luck,” the Aussie strategist admitted.
Stajcic likewise pointed out that if Guillou’s goal was counted “this would have changed the tenor of the game because it would put the pressure on them not us.”
German coach Ingmar Gings complimented the Filipinas in their tough play in the first half and was relieved that her favored charges settled down on the way to completing the much-needed win.
Behind goalie Olivia McDaniel’s brilliant heroics and the resilient Filipinas’ defense, the match looked headed for a goalless draw at halftime until defender Cowart took down Coumba Sow from behind inside the penally in the 45th minute.
“I knew the penalty was important since it would give us the lead at halftime. But I am used to it,” said Bachmann, who plays for French powerhouse club Paris St. Germain.
Still, Stajcic tipped his hat off to the Filipinas.
“(They) showed courage and competitiveness throughout against our rivals who had several players playing for professional clubs. We had our moments.”
Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Filipinas try to regroup as they return to their base camp in Auckland Saturday before heading to Wellington on Sunday as they brace for their must-win encounter against New Zealand, which rocked the group with a 1-0 upset of top pick Norway at Eden Park in Auckland last Friday.
