Indomitable Brazil beat Portugal 3-0 to conquer the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025, while Spain downed Argentina to finish third.
The Thrilla in Manila XXI didn’t star two power-punching Americans, but a thunder-striking Brazilian. Emilly exhilarated from start to finish at the first Futsal Women’s World Cup and, at its climax, registered a rocket as Brazil powered to the trophy.
Portugal will be disappointed with silver, but can be proud of an awe-striking campaign in which Ana Catarina Pereira and Lidia Moreira pocketed individual awards.
Portugal knew what Brazil wanted to do. They’d worked on stopping it. But, like several teams before them, they couldn’t. Ana Luiza, back to goal, rolled the ball into the path of Emilly, who had slipped out of her marker’s handcuffs and duly thundered home the tandem’s trademark goal in the 10th minute.
It then went from force to finesse, Amandinha dinking home in the 23rd minute, before Debora Vanin sealed a dominant victory in the 38th minute.
“[I’m] really happy. The players are amazing, the coaching staff is wonderful. It leaves huge legacy because it will further popularise futsal in schools, clubs, universities. All of this will produce better coaches and players,” said Brazilian coach Wilson Saboia.
With the final win, Brazil had extended their world-record run of wins to 43. During that period, they have scored 303 goals and conceded only 17.
“Congratulations to Brazil. They were better. We had an incredible competition. We are very proud to reach this stage. It wasn’t enough, Brazil are a very strong team with a lot of individual quality. I’m very proud of my players. We greatly honoured Portuguese women’s futsal and the Portuguese people,” said Luis Conceicao, the Portuguese coach.
Earlier, Laura Cordoba dazzled as Spain sunk Argentina to finish third. She hit a brace in the 35th and 40th minutes while sister Irene Cordoba struck in the 38th minuite. Ale De Paz (5) and Antia Perez (37) added two more for Spain while Argentina’s consolation goal came from Mailen Romero in the 34th minute.
Awards winners
Golden Ball: Emilly (Brazil)
Silver Ball: Debora Vanin (Brazil)
Bronze Ball: Lidia Moreira (Portugal)
Golden Boot: Emilly (Brazil)
Silver Boot: Laura Cordoba (Spain)
Bronze Boot: Lidia Moreira (Portugal)
Golden Glove: Ana Catarina Pereira (Portugal)
FIFA Fair Play Award: Brazil
