THE OPENING match of Group A in the FIFA Women’s World Cup saw the Philippines facing a 2-0 defeat against Switzerland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

The Swiss team took advantage of the Philippines’ defensive lapses in both halves to secure a well-deserved victory.

The first goal came in the 45th minute when Ramona Bachmann, the star striker for Switzerland, converted a penalty kick after a defensive mistake by Jessika Cowart inside the box. In the 65th minute, Seraina Piubel sealed the victory with a close-range follow-up, giving La Nati their first win in the group.

In the 16th minute, the Filipinas thought they had scored a goal when Katrina Guillou found the net from the right wing, but it was ruled offside by Togo referee Vincentia Abedome, much to the disappointment of the Filipino fans.

Despite admitting that Switzerland was the stronger team overall, Australian coach Alen Stajic was puzzled by the penalty kick decision. He expressed his belief that if a penalty is awarded, it should be clear and apparent. However, he acknowledged the Swiss team’s dominance during the last 10 minutes of the match and credited their hard work for creating their own luck.

Stajcic also mentioned that Guillou’s disallowed goal could have changed the game’s dynamics and put more pressure on Switzerland instead.

The German coach, Ingmar Gings, complimented the Filipinas for their tough performance in the first half and expressed relief that her favored team settled down to secure the crucial victory.

During the first half, the match seemed destined for a goalless draw until defender Cowart brought down Coumba Sow inside the penalty area, leading to the crucial penalty kick for Switzerland.

Swiss striker Bachmann, who plays for Paris St. Germain, highlighted the significance of the penalty goal in giving them the lead at halftime.

Despite the defeat, Coach Stajcic praised the Filipinas for not succumbing to nervousness and demonstrating courage and competitiveness, especially against rivals with several players from professional clubs.

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.