By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s futsal team closed out its campaign in style, scoring against mighty Argentina in a 5-1 defeat in the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, Nov. 27.
Isabella Bandoja provided the silver lining to another tough loss for the Filipina5, breaking through with a strike at the 27th minute mark of the second half not only to avoid a shutout against their fancied foes but also hike the Nationals’ goals to three all throughout the first-ever futsal world cup.
Team Philippines wrapped its stint with a 0-0-3 record, including a 6-0 beating at the hands of Poland and a painful 3-2 defeat against Morocco.
Argentina, which came out guns blazing after scoring five straight goals, finished at the top of its pool with a clean 3-0 slate.
Lara Villalba, Mailen Romero, Luciana Natta, Agostina Chiesa, and Melina Quevedo all took turns in delivering Argentina’s all goals in the first half.
As it barged into the quarterfinals, the Albiceleste will face Group B runner-up, a position that Thailand (1-0-1) and Colombia (1-0-1) battling out later Friday at the same venue.
Apart from its historic hosting, the country’s women’s futsal squad is expected to climb up in the rankings in the coming months. It was also a great buildup for the team as it dives into the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month.
Meanwhile, No. 31 Morocco stole the other quarters slot after stunning No. 14 Poland, 1-0, in their crucial matchup.
Jasmine Demraoui fired the lone marker for the Atlas Lionesses in the closing stretch of the second half to push them into a quarterfinal showdown with world No. 2 Spain, which looks to sweep Group B against Canada later.
With the loss, the Polish booters joined the Nationals on the way out of the tournament.
