Photo: FIFA

By MdeG

Philippine Sports Chairman Patrick Gregorio delivered a powerful message of belief to the Filipina5 after their World Cup campaign ended, urging the team to recognize that they already belong on futsal’s biggest stage.

Gregorio’s words came following the Philippines’ 1-5 loss to Argentina last Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City in front of more than 2,800 fans.

Isabella Bandoja gave the Philippines a fitting ending to their campaign when her 29th minute strike sent the crowd into a frenzy and epitomized the Filipina5’s fighting spirit against one of the world’s top-ranked sides. That goal, according to Gregorio, was proof that belief would shape the country’s future in both football and futsal.

“I was looking at Team Argentina. Nothing is different, same size, same physique,” Gregorio told the players. “The only thing that’s different is they’ve been doing it for 50 years. But if we put our minds and hearts into this, can we do it? Yes.”

Gregorio also reminded the team why the Philippines, through the Philippine Football Federation, fought to host the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup: to accelerate the sport’s growth and show that Filipinos can compete on the world stage.

He also shared a conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who pledged support in helping football rise into one of the Philippines’ top sports with the help of the PSC and the PFF

PFF president John Gutierrez, who joined Chairman Gregorio in the dugout, echoed Gregorio’s call for belief and resilience.

“The PFF will continue to stand behind this team and ensure that futsal grows stronger in the Philippines. With heart, discipline, and belief, we can achieve more,” Gutierrez shared.

The historic maiden campaign showed what belief can achieve, and for the players, Gregorio’s message resonated deeply: if they believe, the entire nation will believe with them, and that Filipino athletes can accomplish more than they ever imagined.

With their World Cup debut complete and a newfound surge of support behind them, the Filipina5’s journey is only just beginning.