Filipina5 seek breakthrough win against Morocco
The Philippines takes its second crack at giving the home crowd a winning result in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup tonight when it battles Morocco at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Filipina5 and the Atlas Lionesses are in the same boat, coming off identical 0-6 losses in their opening assignments against Poland and Argentina, respectively. And the protagonists both view their 8:30 p.m. matchup as a good opportunity to get on the board in Group A.
The hosts brace for a tough duel against Morocco, the reigning Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations titlist that’s sitting 42 places higher in the world rankings at 31st.
“Bilog po ang bola,” said co-skipper Inday Tolentin ahead of the Filipina5’s mission against the Moroccans in the inaugural global meet backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Football Federation (PFF).
“Gagawin po namin ang lahat para maipanalo ‘yung laban at lalaban kami para sa team, para sa bayan and para sa mga taong naniniwala sa amin,” she added.
Coach Rafa Merino expressed confidence his charges would come out of the debut game against No. 14 Poland wiser and more inspired especially with Filipino supporters rallying them on.
“We’re in the World Cup so every team will be difficult. Probably the other team has more experience than we do but what makes us different is the energy that we have. We bring a lot of good vibes to the table and energy,” the Spaniard said through an interpreter.
World No. 6 Argentina and Poland tangle in the first fixture at 6 p.m. with solo lead at six points.
In other results, reigning Asian champion and fifth-ranked Japan clobbered No. 21 New Zealand, 6-0, in Group C while No. 2 Spain and No. 8 Colombia outclassed No. 4 Thailand, 5-2, and No. 74 Canada, 2-0, respectively, in Group B.
