Argentina confidently dispatched of Colombia, while Spain hit six of the best to take apart Morocco in Manila.
The day belonged to two standout performers, as the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 knockout stages opened with a bang. First, Lucia Rossi dazzled as Argentina won an all-South American affair with Colombia, before Irene Cordoba netted four and assisted one of Spain’s half-dozen as they sunk Morocco.
Their semi-final opponents will be decided tonight, as Portugal and Italy come head-to-head for the chance to face Argentina, while Brazil and Japan do battle knowing the winner will meet Spain.
The tie was just 86 seconds old and Morocco’s Kawtar Bentaleb had pulled the ball out of her net three times already. It was put there on each occasion by the electric Irene Cordoba, who became the first player at these finals to net four times in one match to see the European powerhouses into the semi-finals.
With strikes in both the 14th and 29th second, Cordoba lays claim to scoring the quickest and second-quickest goals of Philippines 2025 so far. She is also the only player to net twice in the opening minute.
Spain ran off 6-1 winners with the goals from Irene Cordoba (1, 1, 2, 21), Marta Lopez-Pardo (34), Irene Samper (37) with Morocco replying through Laftah (13).
“I’m proud of the team and really happy to reach the semi-finals. That was our goal from the beginning. We know it’s not easy. I’m very happy, you don’t score four goals at a World Cup every day. Now I have to keep this momentum going,” said Cordoba.
Colombia were the only side to stop Argentina from winning en route to the Copa America final in March and many expected another tight contest here. BUt they could not stop Argentina from racing away 4-1 winners.
A pair of well-struck Rossi strikes, with a mesmerising Carina Nunez effort in between, ensured that wouldn’t be the case, as Nicolas Noriega’s charges roared into the final four.
Silvina Nava joins Laura Cordoba, Emilly and Meryem Hajri in receiving two Player of the Match awards at Philippines 2025.
Argentina goals came from Lucia Rossi (5 & 9), Carina Nunez (6), Silvina Nava (28) while Colombia’s sole goal came from Laura Bustos (12).
“It was a very tough match. From the start we knew Colombia would come at us with everything, they’re a very strong, very tough team. The lead gave us a bit more calm, even though we couldn’t afford to relax, and I think we put together a good performance,” said Silvina Nava.
