Australian coach Alen Stajcic has declared the Philippines' win over New Zealand the finest moment in his footballing career and one of the country's greatest sporting triumphs.
The Filipinas defeated Women's World Cup co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 on Tuesday night in Wellington courtesy of Sarina Bolden's goal.
It was the country's first World Cup victory - men and women - at just their second attempt.
When New Zealand enjoyed their first-ever win last week, in the tournament opener against Norway, it was in their 16th Women's World Cup match.
"To think we've done it in our second match at our first World Cup, you can't really appreciate how far we've come," Stajcic said.
"It's pretty raw. It was very emotional out on the pitch. Just seeing just about everyone, every staff member, every player crying."
In the post-match press conference, a journalist told Stajcic the Filipino media contingent had all cried on the final whistle, showing the gravity of the triumph.
Stajcic likened the victory to national hero and legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao's achievements.
"It's just a special moment in the history of Philippines team sport," he said.
"I don't know if there's been a bigger win. Obviously Pacquiao individually but for team sport, it would have to be one of the best achievements in the history of the country."
For Stajcic, the win also completes a redemptive arc from when he was unceremoniously dumped as Matildas coach in 2019 following a cultural review.
The 49-year-old led Australia to their best-ever ranking of world No.5, a round-of-16 win at the 2015 World Cup - Australia's only World Cup knockout victory - and a heartbreaking quarter-final exit at the 2018 Olympics on penalties.
However, he declared Tuesday night's triumph his best.
"How can you beat that, beating the host nation in a World Cup? Without question, it's number one," he said.
"This team was ranked in the 60s and 70s a few months ago and struggling to beat Nepal and Hong Kong.
"It's just staggering, miraculous and unbelievable. What the players have done is just mind blowing really."
