THE PHILIPPINES will be taking on Argentina, Poland, and Morocco in the inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup from November 21 to December 7 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Filipina5, being the host country, is in Group A, with world No. 6 Argentina, the runner-up in this year’s Copa America de Futsal Feminina, as the highest ranked team that they will be up against.
The Nationals, rated No. 63 in the world, will also be pitting their skills against world No. 14 Poland and No. 31 Morocco in the group stage following a draw ceremony held at the BGC Arts Center in Taguig City on Monday.
The Philippines was able to avoid the top teams if world rankings will be the basis.
World No. 2 Spain was drawn in Group B along with fourth-ranked Thailand, No. 8 Colombia, and Canada, while third-ranked Portugal will play in Group C with No. 5 Japan, New Zealand, and Tanzania.
Group D also has three of the top 10 teams in the world in No. 1 Brazil, No. 7 Italy, No. 9 Iran, with Panama also in the bunch.
Filipina5 head coach Rafa Merino said competition will be tough regardless of whichever the teams they will be up against.
Poland was the runner-up in Elite Group B of the UEFA qualification for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, while Morocco was the champions of the Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations that they also hosted last April.
“It’s a very strong group with a lot of experience in tournaments, a lot of games, they are physically very strong,” said the Spanish mentor through a translator. “It’s going to be very tough.”
Two-time FIFA Futsal World Cup champion Falcao, former Croatian futsal player Tihana Nemcic, Filipinas player Hali Long and Alas Pilipinas' Vanie Gandler were the draw presenters.
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