MANILA – The Philippines battles Group A leader Argentina Thursday night, raring to make a lasting impression in its last appearance at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup at PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Out of contention for the quarterfinals after losses to Poland (0-6) and Morocco (2-3), the 63rd-ranked Filipina5 vow to go all out in the 8:30 p.m. duel with the unbeaten La Albiceleste.
“It’s the World Cup, they’re playing in their home country so that’s more than enough motivation for the players,” Philippine coach Rafa Merino said in Spanish.
The Filipina5 came close to scoring a historic victory on Monday as Inday Tolentin and Cathrine Graversen struck early against Morocco.
But the Moroccans countered with three goals to turn the game around.
The come-from-behind victory enabled the reigning African titlist to tie Poland at second spot with three points on one win against one loss, making their 6 p.m. faceoff a winner-take-all for the last ticket to the knockout rounds.
World No. 6 Argentina clinched the first seat at six points with victories over Morocco (6-0) and Poland (3-2) in the 16-nation showpiece backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Football Federation.
“We have to try to give the best of ourselves, keep with our identity, keep with who we are,” Merino said. “There’s nothing extraordinary that we can do but we play the best way we can.” (PSC Media)
