The Thrilla in Manila XXI didn’t star two power-punching Americans, but a thunder-striking Brazilian. Emilly exhilarated from start to finish at the first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup™ and, at its climax, registered a rocket as Brazil powered to the trophy.
Portugal will be disappointed with silver, but can be proud of an awe-striking campaign in which Ana Catarina Pereira and Lidia Moreira pocketed individual awards. Earlier, Laura Cordoba dazzled as Spain sunk Argentina to finish third.
Portugal 0-3 Brazil
Brazil goals: Emilly (10), Amandinha (23), Debora Vanin (38)
Player of the Match: Taty
Portugal knew what Brazil wanted to do. They’d worked on stopping it. But, like several teams before them, they couldn’t. Ana Luiza, back to goal, rolled the ball into the path of Emilly, who had slipped out of her marker’s handcuffs and duly thundered home the tandem’s trademark goal. It then went from force to finesse, Amandinha dinking home, before Debora Vanin sealed a dominant victory. Brazil will forever have the honour of being the female futsal’s first champions.
“[I’m] really happy. The players are amazing, the coaching staff is wonderful. It leaves huge legacy because it will further popularise futsal in schools, clubs, universities. All of this will produce better coaches and players.”
Wilson Saboia, Brazil coach
“Congratulations to Brazil. They were better. We had an incredible competition. We are very proud to reach this stage. It wasn’t enough, Brazil are a very strong team with a lot of individual quality. I’m very proud of my players. We greatly honoured Portuguese women’s futsal and the Portuguese people.”
Luis Conceicao, Portugal coach
Brazil extended their world-record run of wins to 43. During that period, they have scored 303 goals and conceded only 17.
Argentina 1-5 Spain
Argentina goals: Mailen Romero (34)
Spain goals: Ale De Paz (5), Laura Cordoba (35 & 40), Antia Perez (37), Irene Cordoba (38)
Player of the Match: Laura Cordoba
Trinidad D’ Andrea was outstanding. She ended up without the Player of the Match award and a W only because a girl in red was even more outstanding. Laura Cordoba’s multifunctional magnificence inspired Spain to a medal.
“We came into this match with the same joy as always. We knew we had to switch our mindsets. We had to play for third place and couldn’t get the result. Spain are a great team, but I’m proud of my team-mates because they gave everything.”
Mailen Romero, Argentina pivot
“When they scored, we didn’t lose our heads. We knew that with their five-player system, they would be strong in attack, but our defence is very solid. We stayed calm and continued to play the way we were. They played a really good game, but we created a lot of chances.”
Laura Cordoba, Spain fixo
The Cordoba twins registered 18 goal involvements between them at Philippines 2025. Irene got seven goals and one assist, while Laura managed scored five and set up five.
