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Switzerland head coach Inka Grings, right, reacts from the bench during the first half of the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between the Philippines and Switzerland in Dunedin, New Zealand, Friday, July 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—The coach who steered Switzerland to a 2-0 victory over the Philippines offered some kind words to the way the debutantes were able to perform in their maiden foray into the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

“I’m really excited about how they’re gonna do in the next matches,” said Inka Grings through an interpreter following Friday’s victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

The Filipinas made a good account of themselves against the fancied Swiss side, almost taking the opener on Katrina Guillou’s well-taken strike that was disallowed because of an offside call and kept the game scoreless until the La Nati were able to score twice to take the win.

Converted penalty

Philippines players acknowledge supporters after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland during the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between the Philippines and Switzerland in Dunedin, New Zealand, Friday, July 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Ramona Bachmann capitalized on a foul called on Jessika Cowart in the box by converting the penalty before Switzerland produced a second with less than a half-hour remaining.

“I think each player can be proud of themselves and they will learn match-to-match,” Grings said. “It was difficult to analyze a team that is in the competition for the first time.

“I think the Filipinas are always good for a surprise and they believe in themselves. And that’s part of the beauty of the World Cup, you play against nations that you don’t compete very often.”

Switzerland gained top spot in Group A, ahead of cohost New Zealand on goal difference while Norway and the Philippines aim to bounce back in their next matches.

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