Match 2

UK 4 Philippines 2

It was a Manchester United v Arsenal kind of contest this one. Powerful, direct play from the UK team, up against the silky skills and precision of the much smaller Philippines team.

No score at half time, after an exciting first half, which saw the majority of chances go the Philippines. Their efforts were all the more notable for them having by far the best female player in the tournament so far. And the crowd had decided that they were on the side of the Philippines, as the team’s every move was cheered to the rafters in the packed Durban University arena.

In the second half, the strength of the UK team began to tell as the Asian team tired. A string of chances saw them score four goals, before one of their players was sin binned for a pitch-length celebratory run with his shirt off.

And in the last minute, justice was done as the Philippines scored twice, including the tournaments, first goal by a female player – and a header at that.

An excellent game, with both these teams looking good to progress further from the pool section of the tournament.