Pasig city: International Football Federation (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino has lauded the Philippines for its "fantastic" hosting of the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup. Infantino witnessed the event's opening night at PhilSports Arena, which has maintained a lively atmosphere throughout the tournament.
According to Philippines News Agency, Infantino expressed his enthusiasm for the historic event, emphasizing the significance of the inaugural competition. He highlighted the importance of hosting the first edition in the Philippines, a nation known for its hospitality. Infantino also commended the efforts of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) in organizing the event.
The tournament, featuring 16 nations, provided a stage for participants to create history. The host team, Filipina5, scored their first goals in the competition with Inday Tolentin and Cathrine Graversen finding the net during their match against Morocco. Isabella Bandoja added another goal in their subsequent game against Argentina.
PFF president John Gutierrez expressed gratitude towards President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Office of the President, and Philippine Sports Commission Chair Pato Gregorio for their support. He acknowledged their role in enabling the Philippines to deliver a world-class event that emphasizes excellence and inclusivity in sports.
The tournament's semifinals featured top-ranked teams, with Brazil and Spain competing for a place in the finals, while Portugal and Argentina contended for the other finalist spot.
