Fixtures
Wednesday, 26 November
New Zealand v Tanzania
Portugal v Japan
Panama v IR Iran
Brazil v Italy
New Zealand v Tanzania
Kick-off times
08:00 on Wednesday, 26 November (Dodoma)
13:00 on Wednesday, 26 November (Manila)
18:00 on Wednesday, 26 November (Wellington)
Hannah Kraakman glides around the court, dictating play for the Futsal Ferns, while Dayna Manak is an accomplished ally.
Winfrida Charles and Mary Siyame both sparkled for Tanzania in the late stages of their defeat to Portugal, and will look to carry that momentum into test two.
“I think we had good spells in the first half [against Japan]. It will be a different game against Tanzania. We know what we’ve got to do and we’re confident we can get the win.”
Hannah Kraakman, New Zealand winger
“It’s going to be a tough match. New Zealand are a strong team, but our coach has a good game plan for them. We’re confident we get the result. We want to stay in this tournament.”
Sabina Mbuga, Tanzania pivot
Portugal v Japan
Kick-off times
07:30 on Wednesday, 26 November (Lisbon)
15:30 on Wednesday, 26 November (Manila)
16:30 on Wednesday, 26 November (Tokyo)
Fifo and Janice Silva have long been two of the finest performers on the planet, while Ana Catarina Pereira is the sport’s reigning Best Women’s Goalkeeper.
Japan stars Sara Oino and Ryo Egawa have the craft to unlock elite defences, and both can finish too.
“Japan are a really strong and quick national team. They’ll cause us problems, but we will cause them problems too. We have really good coaches who will come up with a good game plan for them. We want to win this group.”
Carolina Pedreira, Portugal winger
“Portugal are one of the best teams in the world. They’re good in all areas and really quick. But we’re here to beat them and we’ll do whatever it takes.”
Risa Ikadai, Japan pivot
Panama v IR Iran
Kick-off times
05:00 on Wednesday, 26 November (Panama City)
13:30 on Wednesday, 26 November (Tehran)
18:00 on Wednesday, 26 November (Manila)
Panama may have been outclassed by Italy, but Kenia Rangel had her moments. The 30-year-old winger has impeccable control and silky skills.
“My goal is to one day be the best player in the world,” stated Maral Torkaman. The Iran pivot will be desperate to celebrate her 23rd birthday with a goal.
“We just need to keep improving. We still have two chances. It’s going to be tough, but we need to give everything we have and be brave.”
Erika Hernandez, Panama winger
“We’re here to advance from the group stage. We’re going to do their best to do it.”
Mahsa Kamali, Iran winger
Brazil v Italy
Kick-off times
09:30 on Wednesday, 26 November (Brasilia)
13:30 on Wednesday, 26 November (Rome)
20:30 on Wednesday, 26 November (Manila)
The world’s reigning Best Women’s Player was in her electrifying pomp in Brazil’s bow. Wilson Saboia’s side will look to get Emilly on the ball often.
Renata Adamatti made one of the most spectacular debuts in the history of FIFA competitions. Can the Italy winger now punish her birth country?
“Of course there’s a rivalry. I believe the fact that a lot of Brazilians [play in Italy] creates that. Obviously there’s banter. We wind each other up. But it’s all good fun. I’m certain they’ll give it their all, we’ll give it our all, and the best-prepared team will win.”
Tampa, Brazil winger
“Brazil are a great team with great players. We all know what they represent in futsal. But we really believe in ourselves. I think this is a game everyone wants to see.”
Greta Ghilardi, Italy winger
