Photo reveals Aussie’s incredible comeback after Matildas sacking

Two photos taken eight years apart have revealed the incredible comeback from an Australian coach at the women’s World Cup.

Stajcic celebrates with his wife after leading the Matildas to a 1-0 win against Brazil in 2015, and on the right after Tuesday’s win with the Philippines.

The wife of the Philippines’ Aussie coach Alen Stajcic has shared two touching photos, showing the journey he’s been on in his coaching career.

The former coach of the Matildas was in tears on Tuesday after leading his current team, the Philippines, to a historic first World Cup win.

The Philippines, whose coach Stajcic was unceremoniously sacked by Australia in 2019, stunned co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 thanks to a first-half header by Sarina Bolden.

New Zealand created a string of second-half chances and had a goal disallowed but the Philippines held on for a famous win in front of 32,357 in Wellington.

It was the Philippines’ first victory at either a men’s or women’s World Cup and blows Group A wide open.

Stajcic was emotional after the game, saying: “I’ve got everyone else’s tears all over my eyes.”

Stajcic was the first Australian born coach to win a knockout game at a World Cup with the Matildas in 2015.

After Tuesday’s win, his wife Brenda shared photos from her celebrating with her husband after the 2015 win and the Philippines victory.

Alen Stajcic celebrates in 2015 and 2023 with his wife after two huge achievements.

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“I can’t believe what we have achieved,” said tearful midfielder Sara Eggesvik.

“It shows that it’s possible to do something big.”

New Zealand’s final group match is against Switzerland on Sunday, the same day the Philippines face Norway.

“It’s so heartbreaking for everyone in this team,” said New Zealand’s Czech coach Jitka Klimkova.

“We played to win and it didn’t go our way. We were fighting until the end, but it wasn’t enough.”

Sarina Bolden of Philippines celebrates after scoring against New Zealand. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Absolute scenes. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP)

On the eve of the game in Wellington, Stajcic had said his Philippines team wanted to “crash the party” against a New Zealand side on a high after its opening 1-0 win over Norway.

Stajcic’s unfancied team, beaten 2-0 by Switzerland in its World Cup debut, was as good as his word.

It scored the only goal after 24 minutes to stun the home crowd.

After New Zealand conceded a free-kick, Bolden outjumped the home defence to head the ball at home goalkeeper Victoria Esson, who could only watch in horror as her attempted parry looped over her into the net.

An emotional Stajcic said post-game: “How can you beat that? Beating the host nation in a World Cup.”

“I’ve got everyone else’s tears all over my eyes,” he added, wiping his eyes.

Aussie Alec Stajcic pulled off a World Cup miracle. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

The respected coach was sacked from his job as Matildas coach in 2019 after developing players like Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Ellie Carpenter into Australian international stars.

Australian football fans lauded Stajcic for masterminding the Philippines to their first ever World Cup win that keeps their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.

CODE Sports’ Adam Peacock tweeted: “Extraordinary. Spoke to Staj pre-tournament. He hinted at a miracle…”

This means EVERYTHING to Alen Stajcic 🥹

An Aussie at the forefront of the @PilipinasWNFT historic FIFA Women's World Cupâ„¢ moment.

Wow. wow. wow.

Watch | https://t.co/Sk6QD9JZVB#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/Blvkbt19JC

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 25, 2023

Alen Stajcic, what a bloke. #FIFAWWC

— Matt Vandenberg (@M1D3V) July 25, 2023

Pure joy. Amazing. Go Staj ⚽️❤️ https://t.co/HvNPdwJZXx

— Melanie McLaughlin (@Mel_Mclaughlin) July 25, 2023

Stajcic discourse incoming. Brace yourselves

— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) July 25, 2023

This was a better display from the Philippines — ranked 46th in the world, 20 places below New Zealand — compared to their opening defeat to Switzerland.

In contrast, New Zealand showed little of the self-confidence which carried them past Norway for their first World Cup win at the 16th try.

It could have been 2-0 at the break had Philippines forward Katrina Guillou got her shot on target just before the halftime whistle.

Klimkova threw on Celtic midfielder Olivia Chance and veteran Annalie Longo as the Football Ferns created a number of second-half chances.

Hannah Wilkinson went agonisingly close to equalising but her header flew just over the bar.

Her forward partner Jacqui Hand clattered her shot against the post, then had a headed goal disallowed with 20 minutes left after replays showed the ball went out of play in the build-up.

With time running out, New Zealand pushed hard for an equaliser, but failed to find their way past the resolute Philippine defence.