After upsetting Norway in the tournament opener, co-hosts New Zealand have a chance to secure a spot in the knockout stage as they take on the Philippines in their second group-stage match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The Football Ferns stunned their European opponents a week ago with a mix of defensive solidity and a pestering attack that never stopped poking and prodding, securing all three points by protecting Hannah Wilkinson’s 48th-minute winner.
A win in this match, then, would see them to six points, which would mathematically secure a spot in the knockout stage unless Norway beat Switzerland to leave New Zealand not yet out of reach.
The co-hosts will also know that goal differential could play a huge factor atop the table, and thus looking to potentially run up the score could be vital, but that will be a difficult ask given the defensive qualities of the opponent.
New Zealand vs Philippines match facts
- Date: Tuesday, July 25
- Kickoff Time: 1:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. BST / 3:30 p.m. AEST
- Location: Wellington Regional Stadium (Wellington, New Zealand)
- Official: Katia Garcia (MEX)
- Last meeting: New Zealand 2-1 Philippines (Sep. 6, 2022 | Friendly)
New Zealand vs Philippines prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: New Zealand (-300)
- Handicap lean: New…
