Morocco stunningly shut out Poland to reach the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup™ quarter-finals, while the Philippines enthralled their supporters in an admirable loss to Argentina.
Poland 0-1 Morocco
Morocco goal: Jasmine Demraoui (29)
Player of the Match: Meryem Hajri
“I’m sure we’ll be in the quarter-finals,” stated Jasmine Demraoui pre-game. Few believed her. Then the 21-year-old sensation went out and struck the only goal to bank Morocco a dream date with the mighty Spain. Aga Bala, who illuminated Philippines 2025 with her genius, and Poland were devastated.
“This is one of the happiest moments of my life. I played in two Champions League finals in football, but this is different, it’s for the national team. If you asked me to represent Morocco at anything, I’d do it. If you asked me to play tennis for Morocco, I’d do it and give it everything. Representing this nation is indescribable. It gives you immense pride.”
Chaymaa Mourtaji, Morocco pivot
European teams had registered 49 goals in their previous eight outings in the competition. Morocco became the first team to keep a clean sheet again one in what was its lowest-scoring match.
Argentina 5-1 Philippines
Argentina goals: Lara Villalba (2), Mailen Romero (4), Luciana Natta (4), Agostina Chiesa (7), Melina Quevedo (7)
Philippines goals: Isabella Bandoja (28)
Player of the Match: Mailen Romero
Argentina were unplayable early on. It left them sailing through with maximum points to meet Thailand or Colombia in the last eight. The remainder of the game nevertheless belonged to the Philippines. Isabella Bandoja erupted PhilSports Arena with a goal that enraptured a nation. The Filipina5 did themselves proud.
“We built a good lead in the first half and managed to maintain it. I actually liked our play in the second half more than in the first, but it’s true that we weren’t clinical. Winning every match was important, so I’m happy.”
Agostina Chiesa, Argentina winger
“I’ve got goosebumps. The support was absolutely amazing. Argentina are one of the best teams in the world. We fought with everything we had. I think our performance was very, very, very, very good. I’m really, really happy.”
Isabella Bandoja, Philippines pivot
Agostina Chiesa became the first player to score in three game at this tournament. Her goal helped Argentina take a 5-0 lead after six minutes and 56 seconds. The previous quickest time a team had netted five times in a match was 13 minutes and 55 seconds by Portugal against Tanzania.
