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The Philippine women’s futsal team wrapped up its historic run at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 5–1 match against quarterfinal-bound Argentina on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena.

Argentina came out strong with five quick goals in the opening seven minutes, but the Filipina5 showed tremendous heart—tightening their defense and refusing to concede again for the rest of the match.

Isabella Bandoja delivered the highlight of the night for the home crowd, scoring on a counterattack to avoid a shutout and electrify the 2,811 fans in attendance.

Despite finishing the tournament with three losses, Coach Rafa Merino’s squad earned praise for their grit, improvement, and refusal to back down on the world stage.

“It’s the World Cup, they're playing in their home country so that’s more than enough motivation for the players,” Philippine coach Rafa Merino said in Spanish.

Kayla Santiago, who came in as goalkeeper after the early setback, also stepped up with several crucial saves that helped stabilize the defense.

Argentina topped Group A with a perfect 9 points, while the Filipina5 capped their maiden World Cup appearance with pride and valuable experience to build on for the future.

World No. 6 Argentina clinched the first seat in Group A with six points after wins over Morocco (6-0) and Poland (3-2) ahead of its final group assignment against the home side.

The 63rd-ranked Filipina5 are heavy underdogs, but that won’t stop them from fighting tooth and nail and aiming to upset the South American powers in front of their home crowd.

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the Filipina5 look to end their historic FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup debut with pride, heart, and the relentless drive that has defined their journey so far.

“We have to try to give the best of ourselves, keep with our identity, keep with who we are,” said Merino. “There's nothing extraordinary that we can do but we play the best way we can.”

Host Philippines looks to close its FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup campaign on a strong note as it faces powerhouse Argentina tonight at the PhilSports Arena.

Already out of quarterfinal contention after losses to Poland (0–6) and Morocco (2–3), the determined Filipina5 aim to deliver a spirited performance in their final Group A assignment against the unbeaten South Americans.

“It’s the World Cup. They’re playing in their home country, so that’s more than enough motivation for the players,” said Philippine coach Rafa Merino.

The Philippines nearly pulled off a breakthrough win on Monday when Inday Tolentin and Cathrine Graversen scored early against Morocco. But the African champions rallied with three unanswered goals to steal the match and force a tie with Poland at three points apiece—setting up a do-or-die clash between the two for the group’s last knockout berth.

World No. 6 Argentina has already secured its place in the quarterfinals with wins over Morocco (6–0) and Poland (3–2).

Ranked 63rd in the world, the Filipina5 enter as clear underdogs, but Merino believes his squad is far from done. “We have to give the best of ourselves, keep our identity, and keep who we are. There’s nothing extraordinary that we can do—just play the best way we can.”

Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Football Federation, the home side hopes to reward its supporters with a gutsy, memorable performance as it wraps up its historic World Cup debut.

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 Filipina 5’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 a 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.