Colombia decked Thailand to reach the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, while Spain smashed Canada to saunter through on maximum points.
Thailand’s campaign came to an end following a 4-1 defeat to Colombia in their Group B clash in Manila.
The win moved the South American side three points above Thailand – who finished with a single win – in the standings. Spain had sealed their quarter-final berth earlier.
Thailand had the upperhand with Darika Peanpailun Jenjira Bubpha both threatening in the opening sequence before Colombia found the breakthrough in the fourth minute.
Alejandra Apraez cut past Hataichanok Tappakun down the right channel before supplying a pin-point cross to an unmarked Diana Celis for the easy tap-in.
Thailand were outpaced by the South Americans, who doubled their lead in the eighth minute through Merlin Salcedo, who struck from just above the arc into the top right corner.
Sasiprapha Suksen kept Thailand in the game after denying Nicole Mancilla from distance moments later before stopping Salcedo’s powerful drive, tipping the ball over.
After absorbing much of the pressure, Thailand struck back in the 11th minute after Nattamon Artkla initiated the move from her own half with Arriya Saetoen and Saetoen exchanging passes with Saetoen then tapping the ball into an empty net.
Colombia regained their two-goal advantage three minutes after the restart with Salcedo curling her shot over Sasiprapha, with the ball coming off the left post before settling in the back of the net.
Thailand tried to respond but their efforts failed to materialise as Colombia furthered their tally in the 34th minute through Danna Rodriguez to put the game beyond the Southeast Asian side’s reach.
“I dreamed it, I visualised it and I worked for it. I’m very proud. We knew it was going to be really difficult and each of us gave everything. The team was more compact today and that’s why, because of the team, that I earned this (Player of the Match) award’” said Colombian fixo Merlin Salcedo.
Meanwhile, Spain continued their winning ways to top the group with a 7-0 thrashing of Canada.
Claudia Pons is a perfection seeker. Even she will struggle to find fault with Spain’s final group-stage exhibition. Seven of her players were on target as a collection of glorious team goals overwhelmed Canada. Morocco now stand in the way of Spain reaching the semi-finals.
The Spaniards scored through Antia Perez (5), Dany Domingos (10), Laura Cordoba (14), Ale De Paz (15), Cecilia Zarzuela (20), Marta Lopez-Pardo (25) and Noelia Montoro (29).
Canada return home with Lea Palacio-Tellier and Esther Brossard having proven they can thrive at this level.
“It was a tough match, because they had nothing left to play for. They were going to give everything in their last game of this World Cup. We understood that and focused on playing our game. We’re really happy, ” said Spanish pivot Irene Cordoba.
