The first ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup kicked off to much fanfare at the PhilSports Arena last Friday in Pasig City to the delight of local and foreign fans alike.
With FIFA President Gianni Infantino watching in the stands, Argentina brushed off Morocco with a 6–0 scoreline, while in the main event the hosts, the Philippines, were defeated by a similar scoreline by a clinical Poland side to kick off Group A matches of this inaugural tournament.
Here are key takeaways from the opening day of the Futsal Women’s World Cup:
1) A FIFA World Cup in the Philippines
An actual FIFA World Cup played on Philippine soil. Who would’ve thought it would happen?
Yes, it may not be the usual FIFA Women’s World Cup, but demean it at your own peril. Traveling fans from Morocco, Argentina, and Poland, along with fans from other countries, would argue otherwise.
It is the first FIFA tournament staged in the Philippines and only the second FIFA women’s tournament ever held in Southeast Asia.
Infantino’s presence on opening day sums it up – it is a big deal, and this is a golden chance for locals to experience a World Cup being played on our home shores.
2) Futsal for the Filipinos and Filipinas
The game of futsal may be overshadowed by football, but with the Futsal Women’s World Cup, futsal may finally be getting the recognition it deserves in the country.
With the fast-paced nature of the game, the speed and skill involved, is it far-fetched to suggest that perhaps futsal is more suited to the general Filipino viewing public?
And with games played in an air-conditioned venue, ensuring comfortable viewing for fans? Sign me up.
The clincher, of course, is the game itself. With action coming thick and fast, one cannot afford to take an eye off the court, as goals can come literally in a split second.
Futsal requires a very different skill set from football, and players can be found out quickly if they’re not good enough. Free-flowing substitutions make for interesting combinations on the court, and the skill and mastery on the ball have drawn oohs and aahs from the appreciative audience, even on Day 1.
3) Philsports Arena as a venue
The PhilSports Arena isn’t the easiest of venues to get into with possible parking and traffic issues around the area.
But thus far, the refurbished playing court has lived up to FIFA’s stringent standards, and the cooling system at the venue is more than adequate.
There are many things that can be improved though such as the food queues, faucets, water closets, and trash bins in the toilets.
But overall, the PhilSports Arena is a good venue for the tournament. The nature of the stadium’s seating means that even a 2,200 strong audience can very easily make themselves loud and proud, which leads us to….
4) Ultras Filipinas brilliantly lead the cheers
Perched high in the general admission area, the Ultras Filipinas made the most noise and created a rowdy atmosphere for the fans and players, cheering on the Filipina5 despite conceding goal after goal against Poland.
Indoor or outdoor, football and now futsal, the Ultras Filipinas can be relied on to create that game day atmosphere for our players and fans.
Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino agrees. In an Instagram post, he said:
“The Philippines have been fantastic hosts, creating a warm and unforgettable atmosphere for this milestone event.”
Now, let’s support the Philippine women’s futsal team, the Filipina5.
It is not every day that one gets to attend an official FIFA tournament at home and be able to support our national team. Let us make homecourt advantage count and come to the venue to cheer on the Filipina5, if possible.
There are familiar names on the roster – captain Isabella Flanigan, Katrina Guillou and Jackie Sawicki might be the more recognizable ones due to their involvement with the Filipinas football team.
But the likes of Dionesa Tolentin, Rocelle Mendano, Charisa Lemoran, Isabella Bandoja, and Judy Connolly deserve equal mention. The story of Regine Rebosora, who went from playing barefoot on a basketball court to representing the country in a World Cup, is particularly special.
Game tickets are reasonably priced, and fans can catch both games with a single day ticket.
On paper, the Philippines may have a tough challenge, but that is for not a lack of heart.
If football is the beautiful game, then is futsal… a beautifully frantic game? Judge for yourself.
The Filipina5 will play Morocco on Monday, November 24 before wrapping up the group stages against Argentina on Thursday, November 27.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
