Silvina Nava and Klaudia Kubaszek sizzled as Argentina and Poland punched their opponents for six on the opening day of the first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup™. Morocco and Philippines, whose supporters put on an unforgettable atmosphere, were their victims on a flair-drenched opening day.
Morocco 0-6 Argentina
Argentina goals: Ana Ontiveros (15), Agostina Chiesa (16), Mailen Romero (17), Luciana Natta (18), Lara Villalba (21), Julia Dupuy (29)
Player of the Match: Silvina Nava
Argentina weren’t among the three pre-tournament favourites, but Silvina Nava insisted that teamwork could carry them to the title. It powered them to an emphatic statement of intent. The Albiceleste had six different scorers, with Ana Ontiveros going down in history as the competition’s maiden markswoman. Although Nava wasn’t among them, she headlined the show with her trademark trickery.
“I’m really happy. I had visualised this moment so many times… maybe not scoring the very first goal, but scoring in the match. It happened, I’m over the moon. It still hasn’t really sunk in.”
Ana Ontiveros, Argentina winger
“We were doing well, competing, but then we lost our concentration and they punished us. Argentina are a very strong side. Our next game will also be very tough because it’s against the hosts, but we’ll do our best to get a result.”
Adil Sayeh, Morocco coach
Argentina netted their first four goals within a spell of merely two minutes and 34 seconds.
Philippines 0-6 Poland
Poland goals: Julia Basta (7 & 24), Natalia Matuszewska (19), Julia Szostak (23), Lanie Ortillo OG (26), Klaudia Dyminska (30)
Player of the Match: Klaudia Kubaszek
As Italy, Portugal and Spain arrived in Manila amid fanfare, Poland sailed here silently. They created a big buzz on their bow. Klaudia Kubaszek ran the game with her vision and passing, and Julia Basta struck twice as Wojciech Weiss’s side ran riot. On opening evidence, the Poles could go far at this tournament.
“The atmosphere was phenomenal. Hearing the national anthem at that volume was so powerful. I’d like to thank our fans. We tried our best but Poland is a very strong team.”
Isabella Flanigan, Philippines pivot
“Right now we’re euphoric. We were really strong as a team, put in a very good performance and scored six goals. But the game’s over and we need to start thinking about Argentina.”
Klaudia Kubaszek, Poland fixo
Goalkeeper Samantha Hughes, who is only 17, helped the Philippines make 19 saves.
