Photo: FIFA

By: LDC

Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team coach Rafa Merino was in high spirits after his team’s debut match in the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. 

Despite seeing the Filipina5 suffer a 6-0 loss at the hands of Poland, the Spanish mentor was still proud of how things panned out.

“No emphasis on the score,” he said. “I think we played a good game.” In recent times, the country has hosted world championships in basketball and volleyball. This is the first one that is related to football."

Hence, Merino is hopeful that the event will leave a lasting legacy when it comes to futsal in the Philippines.

“For us, it's very exciting that the first world championship is in the Philippines and that we're participating,” he said. “I think this is going to generate a lot more interest in futsal in the Philippines and help it continue to grow.”

With matches against Morocco and Argentina in Group A still to come, Merino is hopeful that his squad can not just compete but also pull off some upset results.

Nevertheless, just to be part of a world cup is something to relish, and Merino wants every person to enjoy the atmosphere and the action on the court.

ph“Isn't it spectacular? The truth is that as soon as you enter the arena, the court — the feeling of hearing the crowd shouting and cheering is spectacular. It's unforgettable,” he closed.