The lowest-ranked team in Group A, the Philippines hopes to defy expectations as it looks to pull off upsets against Argentina, Poland, and Morocco in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup
MANILA, Philippines – Although the Philippines earned an outright berth in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup by virtue of being the host, it’s out to prove that it’s worthy of its spot.
The lowest-ranked team in Group A, the world No. 63 Filipina5 hope to defy expectations as they look to pull off upsets against No. 6 Argentina, No. 14 Poland, and No. 31 Morocco, with the goal of securing a top-two finish to reach the knockout stage.
“One thing’s for sure, we belong here. We’re up to the challenge. We’re not going out there just to be able to compete. We’re going out there to win,” said Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez during a Philippine Sportswriters Association forum.
“We’re thinking of every game as a chance for us to win,” Gutierrez added. “Otherwise, what else are we doing here? The national team is ready and we’re looking forward to the start of the tournament.”
The Philippines will open its campaign against Poland on Friday, November 21, followed by matches against Morocco and Argentina on November 24 and 27, respectively.
All matches of the 16-team tournament will be played at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
While the odds are stacked against the Filipina5, it helps their cause that they have three players who know what it takes to win on the biggest stage.
Jaclyn Sawicki, Katrina Guillou, and Isabella Flanigan test their mettle in futsal after being part of the Filipinas squad that made a historic appearance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a campaign highlighted by a stunning victory over New Zealand.
The rest of the Filipina5 lineup include Samantha Hughes, Lanie Ortillo, Cathrine Graversen, Kayla Santiago, Dionesa Tolentin, Regine Rebosura, Alisha del Campo, Judy Connolly, Isabella Bandoja, Charisa Lemoran, and Rocelle Mendaño.
“We plan to progress, hopefully we do. We’re not looking at what ifs or what nots,” said Gutierrez. “We’re in the World Cup and we’re going to play and try to beat any opponent they put in front of us.”
In preparation for the World Cup, the Filipina5 staged a near-two-week training camp in Spain, where they figured in several friendlies, including one against the world No. 2 hosts.
“We’re ready, the girls are ready, and the coaching staff is ready,” said Gutierrez.
Futsal is a variant of football that is played between two teams of five players each on an indoor court that is significantly smaller than a football pitch.
