FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup:
Iranian girls handed Brazil, Italy tests in group stage
Iran was handed a tough draw at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, pitted against Brazil Italy, and Panama in Group D of the competition, which will start November 21 in the Philippines.
The draw for the flagship international event in women’s futsal took place in the Filipino city of Taguig on Monday, where 16 teams were divided into four groups.
Iranian girls will get their campaign underway against eight-time Copa America champion Brazil – the top team in the latest FIFA World Ranking – on November 23, before taking on Panama three days later.
Shahrzad Mozaffar’s side will hope to be in contention for a top-two finish in the group and a place in the round of 16, when squaring off against world No. 7 Italy on the final day of the group stage on November 29.
Brazil vs. Italy (Nov. 26) is arguably the most intriguing fixture of the group phase. Multiple Azzurre players were born in Brazil, including Renata Adamatti, who is widely regarded as one of the best players on the planet, while several Seleção stars have played in Italy.
The sport’s poster girl, eight-time Best Women’s Player Amandinha, will use her otherworldly skills to aid Brazil’s title tilt. Camila, Debora Vanin and Emilly are also part of Wilson Saboia’s star-stacked squad.
Two-time Asian champion Iran secured a place in the finals after finishing third in May’s Asian Cup in China.
Meanwhile, host Philippines was drawn against Poland, Morocco, and Argentina in Group A.
The race for a top-two finish in the group will be wide open. Luciana Natta, Becha Nunez and Argentina will be the favorites, but they know it won’t be easy. Dionesa Tolentin and Philippines will begin their quest to reach the knockout phase against thrill machine Agata Bala and Poland, while the Jasmine Demraoui-inspired Morocco have made huge strides.
Spain, Thailand, Colombia and Canada will complete in an engrossing Group B.
Spain, Thailand and Colombia are ranked second, fourth and eighth in the world. Spanish selector Claudia Pons has magnificent players like the Cordoba twins, Peque and Irene Samper at her disposal, while Thai coach Thanatorn Santanaprasit counts of the great Nattamon Artkla. Twenty-year-old phenomenon Nicole Mancilla will be central to the Colombians’ challenge, with Canadian hopes resting on Esther Brossard’s genius.
Portugal, Tanzania, Japan, and New Zealand are in Group C.
Portugal and Japan are the firm favorites to progress. Luis Conceicao can count on elite performers Ana Catarina Pereira, Fifo and Janice Silva, while Takehiro Suga has the brilliant Ryo Egawa at his disposal. New Zealand and Tanzania will look to upset the odds.