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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Filipina5 out to prove they belong in Futsal worlds

Filipina5 out to prove they belong in Futsal worlds

Published Nov 18, 2025 05:49 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine women's futsal team tries to make a statement when it meets Poland in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup which kicks off at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Friday, Nov. 21.
LOC committee gov’t relations head Belay Fernando, left, and PFF president John Gutierrez
LOC committee gov’t relations head Belay Fernando, left, and PFF president John Gutierrez
The Philippine women’s futsal team tries to make a statement when it meets Poland in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup which kicks off at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Friday, Nov. 21.
The Filipina5 plunged into a two-week training camp in Barcelona and Madrid where they battled top Spanish squads from late October to early this month.
And surely, the Filipina booters picked up plenty of lessons on Spanish soil, all crucial as they take on the world’s best teams from seven confederations including the Polish who they will challenge on the opening day.
“This is the World Cup, all the groups are tough, there isn’t an easy group out there,” said PFF president John Gutierrez during Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.
“And if you want to go ahead into the second round then you have to do well in your group… we’re not looking at what ifs or what not, we’re in the world cup, we're going to play and try to beat any opponents in front of us,” he added.
The host Philippines is bracketed in Group A alongside Poland, Morocco, and Argentina, while Group B has powerhouse Spain, Thailand, Colombia, and Canada.
For Group C, it is composed of Portugal, Tanzania, Japan, and New Zealand, while Group D is made of Brazil, Iran, Italy, and Panama.
“One thing for sure, we belong here, we’re up to the challenge, we’re not just here to join but to compete," said Gutierrez.
The top two squads in each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Aside from the finals, there will be a third-place match with all games held at the same venue.
“Actually, most of the teams are here already, tonight also to celebrate and kick off the event leading up to our opening,” said LOC committee gov’t relations head Belay Fernando, pertaining to a welcome party for the participating teams later tonight.
Midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki banners the Filipina5 with fellow national women’s football team members striker Bella Flanigan and pivot Katrina Guillou, while protecting the country’s post are goalkeepers Samantha Hughes and Kayla Santiago.
Leading the defensive end are Cathrine Graversen and Judy Connolly, midfielders are Charisa Lemoran and Rocelle Mendano, Dionesa Tolentin and Alisha Del Ocampo as forwards, and Lanie Ortillo and Regine Rebosora on the wings.
The participation of the PH women's futsal is part of its buildup for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
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