Renata Adamatti, Emilly, Sara Oimo and Carolina Pedreira dazzled as four title contenders put on an opening masterclass at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in the Philippines.
Renata Adamatti made one of the most mind-blowing debuts in the history of FIFA competitions as Italy staggeringly scored 17 times without reply. Portugal also hit double figures, while Brazil and Japan also won big on their debuts.
Islamic Republic of Iran endured a tough start at the tournament, losing 4-1 to Brazil in Group D.
Brazil put Iran under pressure in the opening minutes with Debora Vanin’s shot deflecting off goalkeeper Farzaneh Tavasoli and on to the post before Elham Anajfeh made a superb diving challenge to prevent Taty from slotting in an empty goalmouth.
Iran had their first shot on target in the seventh minute, Mahsa Kamali’s powerfully struck effort from distance was tipped away by Bianca.
Brazil’s persistence paid off in the 15th minute when Emilly picked up Ana Luiza with a great pass, with the latter scooping the ball past Tavasoli for the opener.
The South Americans extended their lead two minutes later, this time Ana Luiza turning provider with a back-heel for Vanin to strike home.
Iran’s task became more difficult a minute after the interval as Ana Luiza teed up Emilly to smash a shot high into the top corner.
Emilly added another in the 24th minute with Kamali scoring a consolation for Iran a minute later.
“It was indescribable to play in the World Cup. Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this. Thankfully we emerged victorious. I think there were nerves at the start, but then we manage to find our rhythm, do what we’d worked on in training. We’re really, really happy,” said Brazilian pivot Ana Luiza.
Japan, meanwhile, made light work of New Zealand in their opener, with Sara Oino scoring twice and Ryo Egawa also starring.
Ryo Egawa and Sara Oino were unplayable as Japan cruised on to three points. Oino toe-poked home the opener following an excellent Ryo Egawa back-heel, before Anna Amishiro lashed in a loose ball and Risa Ikadai headed Takehiro Suga’s side into complete control. Takehiro Suga, Oino and Yukari Miyahara completed the rout.
New Zealand can accentuate the positives, with Hannah Kraakman proving she can compete on the biggest stage and Danielle Bradley making two fine saves. They will now take on Tanzania on Wednesday, while Japan will play Portugal in one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.
“The first match is always really difficult. It was a little tough at the beginning, but once we made the breakthrough it opened up the game. We all stepped up. It was a strong performance. We’re here for the trophy,” said Risa Ikadai, the Japanese pivot.
Luis Conceicao’s Portuguese charges put on a masterclass. Fifo orchestrated play effortlessly. Carolina Pedreira electrified. Leninha and Lidia Moreira bagged beauties. Portugal, make no mistake about it, are the real deal. Tanzania, for their part, can take heart from competing with their illustrious rivals in the last 15 minutes.
“Playing in the World Cup is inexplicable. It’s unique. I think we played really good game, but we know that Japan will be a bigger test,” said Portugal pivot Maria Pereira.
Renata Adamatti and the Azzurre delivered a performance for the ages. Their genius, interchange and striking were a sight to behold. If Renata was otherworldly, several other Italians were exceptional, among them Brenda Bettioli, Sara Boutimah and Greta Ghilardi. The big three, which comprised Brazil, Portugal and Spain, may have just become a big four.
The Italian goals came from SaraBoutimah (3, 23 & 37), Greta Ghilardi (10 & 34), Renata Adamatti (10, 27 & 34), Erika Ferrara (15), Rafaela Dal’Maz (27 & 28), Brenda Bettioli (28 & 35), Gaby Vanelli (31 & 35), Adrieli Berte (36) and Grieco (40).
“It’s indescribable. It was already indescribable just to get the opportunity to play in the World Cup, but to win 17-0 is beyond our wildest dreams. It’s really emotional. We’re really, really happy,” said Italian winger Renata Adamatti.
Only four wins in the 36-year history of the FIFA Futsal World Cup, of either gender, were bigger than Italy’s over Panama: Cuba 0-18 Brazil in 1996, Solomon Islands 0-21 Brazil in 2008, Guatemala 2-29 Brazil in 2000, and Russia 31-2 Solomon Islands in 2008.
