By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s futsal team is out to prove that it belongs to the elite group when it battles Poland in the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup which officially kicks off at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Friday, Nov. 21.
With the inaugural showpiece set to run here from Nov. 21 to Dec. 7, the Filipina5 have pulled out all the necessary stops to make the event, more so their campaign a very memorable one – thanks to a two-week training camp in Barcelona and Madrid.
And surely, the Filipina booters picked up plenty of lesson on Spanish soil as they take on the world’s best teams from seven confederations including the Polish who they challenge on the opening day where FIFA and country’s top officials are expected to grace the event.
Midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki banners the Filipina 5 along with striker Bella Flanigan and pivot Katrina Guillou. Tasked to protect PH goal are Samantha Hughes and Kayla Santiago.
Other members of the Rafael Merino-mentored team are Cathrine Graversen, Judy Connolly Charisa Lemoran, Rocelle Mendano, Dionesa Tolentino, Alisha Del Ocampo, Lanie Ortillo, Regine Rebosora and Isabella Bandoja as pivot for manager Rafael Merino’s pack.
“This is the world cup, all the groups are tough, there isn’t an easy group out there,” said PFF president John Gutierrez during Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.
“And if you want to go ahead into the second round then you have to do well in your group… we’re not looking at what ifs or what not, we’re in the world cup, we’re going to play and try to beat any opponents in front of us,” he added.
The host Philippines is bracketed in Group A alongside Poland, Morocco, and Argentina, while Group B has powerhouse Spain, Thailand, Colombia, and Canada.
For Group C, it is composed of Portugal, Tanzania, Japan, and New Zealand, while Group D is made of Brazil, Iran, Italy, and Panama.
“One thing for sure, we belong here, we’re up to the challenge, we’re not just here to join but to compete,” said Gutierrez.
The top two squads in each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Aside from the finals, there will be a third-place match with all games held at the same venue.
“Actually, most of the teams are here already, tonight also to celebrate and kick off the event leading up to our opening,” said LOC committee gov’t relations head Belay Fernando, pertaining to a welcome party for the participating teams later tonight.
The participation of the PH women’s futsal is part of its buildup for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
