Co-hosts New Zealand must recapture their grit, coach Jitka Klimkova said on Tuesday after the team suffered a crushing blow at the Women's World Cup with a shock 1-0 loss to newcomers Philippines.
The Football Ferns began their campaign on a high last week after beating former champions Norway in front of a record crowd in Auckland, overcoming extraordinary odds to secure their inaugural World Cup win.
Only days later, however, they found themselves on the other side of the equation as underdogs the Philippines bucked the odds in Wellington to beat the co-hosts 1-0 in a scrappy performance.
"This sport," Klimkova said with a heavy sigh. "Five days ago we were celebrating and we were so excited. Today we didn't get what we wanted and played for.
"I could see tears in the eyes of our players. I know how much it means for them to be here and to play in front of their friends and families and fans, so it is heartbreaking, but this is not over yet.
Forward Sarina Bolden fired a header in the 24th minute at New Zealand keeper Victoria Esson, who fumbled it into the net to give the Philippines their first-ever World Cup goal.
New Zealand's hope of equalising the affair, a header by forward Jacqui Hand in the 68th minute, was called offside.
"The grit I think was something that was more seen in the game against Norway," Klimkova said.
"The physicality, how we were against Norway, was a little bit different today."
She has five days to prepare her players for their final Group A match against Switzerland in Dunedin, during which time she plans to refocus their effort on fine-tuning their attack, after a handful of missed opportunities cost them dearly.
"There was a lot of unforced turnovers that I hadn't seen in the game against Norway... the execution today was not excellent," she said. "(The) execution was missing."
The Football Ferns can guarantee qualification for the knockout round with a win over the Swiss at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
A draw could also see them advance, if Norway and the Philippines also draw in their final Group A game, or Norway win by a single goal.
"I believe there will be even more, bigger desire," Klimkova said of her team's approach this weekend.
"We know we still have a chance. This group is focused, this group wants it. This group wants it for themselves, for the team, for the country.
"It means a lot. It means so much to everybody who is involved in this team.
"We will find a way."
Meanwhile, Philippines coach Alen Stajcic said the celebrations will have to be cut short, as they have to prepare for their final group game against Norway.
"It was very emotional out on the pitch," said Stajcic, who told reporters that players and staff shed tears.
"To think that we've done it in our second match in our first World Cup... the unity and work rate and heart from the team was special. We had some luck but we also earned our luck."
The players walked hand-in-hand to the stands where they bowed in front of cheering and flag-waving fans.
But with the showdown with 1995 winners Norway looming in Auckland on Sunday, Stajcic said the celebrations will be short and sweet.
"There is no celebration, to be honest. They'll celebrate until midnight," said Stajcic.
"Tomorrow it's back to work. Job's not done. It's very important that we switch back into competition mode and think about what we have to do in the last game to try to squeeze out of this group."
Reuters/Newshub.
Join Newshub at 7pm Sunday for live updates of Football Ferns v Switzerland
