Argentina proved far too strong for Philippines as the South American side emerged 5-1 winners in their concluding FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 Group A tie in Manila as Morocco stunned Poland to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Philippines finished bottom of the group while Argentina topped the standings to advance to the quarter-finals as group winners.
Philippines knew they were in for a tough match after they conceded in the second minute when Isabella Flanigan lost possession to Lara Villalba who fired into the top corner, giving Samantha Hughes no chance of saving it.
Mailen Romero toe-poked the ball home in the fourth minute with Luciana Natta netting seconds later with the Philippines struggling to come to terms with the speed of Argentina’s play.
A mistake from Judy Conolly from a kick-in presented the ball straight to Agostina Chiesa who rifled home in the seventh minute with Melina Quevedo converting a penalty shortly as Argentina raced to a 5-0 lead.
Argentina had taken the 5-0 lead after six minutes and 56 seconds. The previous quickest time a team had netted five times in a match was 13 minutes and 55 seconds by Portugal against Tanzania.
To their credit, the Philippines improved after that to hold firm until half-time.
Further improvement was witnessed after the interval, a quick breakaway from an Argentina corner saw Isabella Bandoja pulling a goal back in the 28th minute to give the home crowd one last cheer.
“We built a good lead in the first half and managed to maintain it. I actually liked our play in the second half more than in the first, but it’s true that we weren’t clinical. Winning every match was important, so I’m happy,” said Argentinian winger Agostina Chiesa.
Morocco stunningly shut out Poland 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals, finishing second behind Argentina. The solitary goal came from Jasmine Demraoui, who struck in the 29th minute.
“I’m sure we’ll be in the quarter-finals,” stated Demraoui pre-game.
Few believed her. Then the 21-year-old sensation went out and struck the only goal to bank Morocco a dream date with the mighty Spain. Aga Bala, who illuminated Philippines 2025 with her genius, and Poland were devastated.
“This is one of the happiest moments of my life. I played in two Champions League finals in football, but this is different, it’s for the national team. If you asked me to represent Morocco at anything, I’d do it. If you asked me to play tennis for Morocco, I’d do it and give it everything. Representing this nation is indescribable. It gives you immense pride,” said Chaymaa Mourtaji, the Morocco pivot.
