by Kevin Estrada

The Philippines wrapped up their homestand at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup as Group A’s representatives in the knockout phase were confirmed last November 27 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Rafa Merino’s ladies bowed to fourth-ranked Argentina, 1-5, with La Albiceleste winning all three matches to top the group, while Morocco then snatched the second and last ticket in the group after knocking out Poland in a shocker.

Argentina got on board just two minutes in after a thumping shot by Lara Villalba. Then the Argentines made it 3-0 soon after when Mailen Romero and Luciana Natta scored in rapid succession.

Agostina Chiesa launched a left-footed rocket that sailed past Samantha Hughes into the top-left corner, with Melina Quevedo scoring from the spot for a 5-0 cushion with 13 minutes left in the first half.

The consolation came in the 28th minute, when Tuloy’s Isabella Bandoja scored on the counter.

After breaking Filipina hearts three days ago, the Atlas Lionesses proceeded to dump 14th-ranked Poland out in the earlier match with a lone strike by Jasmine Demraoui.

Klaudia Kubaszek’s howler gifted the ball to Nadia Lafta, who then found Demraoui to beat Natalia Majewska in the 29th minute.

Poland were left to rue their misses, as Morocco then proceeded to hold the fort to set up a dream date with second-ranked Spain in the quarterfinal on the first day of December, while Argentina will face neighbors Colombia in the other last-eight encounter.

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