PFF says Filipina5 ready for FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup

MANILA, August 20 ------ The Philippines is not only looking to put on a great show when it hosts the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup but is also eyeing to give some of the world’s best teams a run for their money.

Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez announced during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday that everything is now rolling with 93 days to go before one of FIFA’s four major events officially kicks off at the Philsports Arena in Pasig and the Victorias City Coliseum in Negros Occidental three months from now. “We are on time with all of the preparations,” said Gutierrez. “We have been closely working with FIFA. We’ve been having meetings almost every day, updates on certain developments like venues getting them up to par with FIFA standards. It’s looking good for us.” “We expect some chinks here and there, but we’re prepared for it. The Local Organizing Committee is doing an excellent job working with FIFA to make sure we can host this very prestigious event,” he added.

Isabella ‘Belay’ Fernando, head of government relations of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Local Organizing Committee, said that the Philippines, together with 15 other countries, is ready for the November 21 to December 7 meet. The World Cup also recently got a big boost through Administrative Order No. 35 ordered by President Marcos for the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force for the country’s hosting.

Fernando said coming over are Spain, Italy, Poland, and Portugal representing Europe, Iran, Japan, Thailand for Asia together with the Philippines, African countries Morocco and Tanzania, Canada and Panama from North America, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia from South America, and New Zealand from Oceania. And while the host team faces a formidable cast of opposition, Gutierrez is confident that the Filipina5 will put up a fight in the tournament. “We’re not here just to participate. We’re here to make an impact,” said the PFF chief, mentioning Spain, Italy, Brazil, Thailand, and even Canada as among the favorites for the crown. “And if we look at ourselves as mediocre compared to these powerhouses, then what’s the point of us participating,” Gutierrez added. “Realistically, we will be very competitive.”

Coach Rafa Merino currently has a 20-woman pool at his disposal led by co-captains Inday Tolentino and Isabella Flanigan, which will be cut down to 16, before 14 players will make up the final roster. Part of the Filipina5’s training is going to Japan by mid-September for a camp, and hopefully, to find a host for the team in Europe during the FIFA window in October.

Fernando said the official draw ceremony will be held on September 15 at the BGC Arts Center. “It’s really a milestone for women’s sports that finally the World Cup for women’s futsal is here. So we’re very excited and thankful to FIFA for trusting us in hosting this event,” said Gutierrez.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com