Football Ferns falter against Philippines at FIFA World Cup

Grace Jale of New Zealand reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA Women's World Cup. Photo: Getty Images / Catherine Ivill

What a difference five days can make.

The Football Ferns caused an upset in their opening game of the FIFA World Cup but were on the wrong end of an upset in their second game of the tournament.

The Philippines, the lowest-ranked side in group, who are making a first appearance in a women's World Cup won 1-0 to shake up Group A and put pressure on the Football Ferns.

Coach Jitka Klimkova opted for the same starting side from the Football Ferns historic opening win over Norway last week with co-captain Ria Percival taking over the skipper's armband from Ali Riley.

New Zealand dominated the early possession in front of more than 30,000 fans at Wellington Regional Stadium, however against the run of play Sarina Bolden made the most of the Philippines first shot on goal.

The California-born midfielder, who plays club football in Australia, headed home in the 23rd minute to score the Philippines first goal at a World Cup - men's or women's.

Bolden's goal was the difference between the sides at half-time.

Klimkova made two changes at half-time with midfielders Olivia Chance and Annalie Longo getting their first action at the World Cup.

Both players made an impact as New Zealand had more opportunities going forward.

New Zealand had a chance to level the score in the 63rd minute when forward Jacqui Hand's shot on goal came off the post, she then thought she had scored in the 68th minute when she got the ball in the back of the net only for the goal to overturned by VAR for a marginal off-side in the build-up.

The Football Ferns continued to test the Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel who was up to the task right until the end when she saved a shot from replacement forward Grace Jale with less than 10 minutes left on the clock.

New Zealand defender Katie Bowen told Sky Sport post-match that she was "massively disappointed" with the result.

"I felt that we had chances we had most of the possession but we just weren't clinical enough and ultimately they wanted it more than us.

"First half we got bullied, second half we did better but it just wasn't there for us tonight."

Klimkova told Sky Sport the result was "heartbreaking".

"We played to win today and it didn't go our way I saw on our faces we were fighting to the end but it was not enough we were missing that little piece in our execution and that was what was decisive today."

The Football Ferns return to Auckland on Tuesday night and Bowen told Sky Sport New Zealand's next game against Switzerland in Dunedin on Sunday becomes a must-win.