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Sara Oino arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport carrying countless suitcases and considerable hype. She’d been named the MVP at the AFC Asian Cup and tipped to illuminate the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025™.
The 24-year-old fixo emphatically lived up to it in Japan’s curtain-raiser. Oino defended infallibly to help Takehiro Suga’s side keep a clean sheet and bagged a brace as they struck six.
“I’m grateful to all the Japanese whose support helped me scored these two goals,” Oino told FIFA. “We’re really happy with the performance. The first game is always tough, so to win and to win 6-0 is a great feeling.”
Risa Ikadai, a former footballer and legend of Asian futsal, was also on target at PhilSorts Arena in Metropolitan Manila.
“The first match is always really difficult,” said the 37-year-old. “It was a little tough at the beginning, but once we made the breakthrough it opened up the game. We all stepped up. It was a strong performance.”
Next up for Japan is the might Portugal in a match that will likely determine the Group C winners.
“Portugal are one of the best teams in the world,” opined Ikadai. “They’re good in all areas and really quick. But we’re here to beat them and we’ll do whatever it takes.”
Oino singled out Fifo as Portugal’s star of stars, but insisted that Japan can upset them. “We know what we need to do to beat them,” she said. “We need to go out there and do it 100 per cent.”
When the standout performer at the Asian finals was asked about her adidas Golden Ball aspirations, she played them down.
“I’m not thinking about individual awards,” Oino insisted. “I’m here to help Japan win the title. If the Golden Ball comes as a result of Japan winning, great.”
Ikadai also responded quickly and firmly when asked what Japan’s target was at Philippines 2025: “We’re here for the trophy.”
