NY Times · Jul 31, 2023
The Gaps Get Smaller as the World Cup Gets Larger
Linda Caicedo of Colombia, an 18-year-old who plays for Real Madrid, has been the World Cup’s breakout star.Credit...Franck Fife/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesGiven where the journey had started and where it had led, it was no wonder that watching the Philippines win a game at the Women’s World Cup felt as if it defied rational explanation, even to those involved.
Not quite two years ago, the Philippines had toiled to beat Nepal in a qualifying game just to earn a place in a low-profile regional tournament. Now that same team had beaten New Zealand — on home soil, no less — and with the whole world watching.