The Filipina5 drew energy from the big crowd that came to cheer them on, fueling their spirited stand against Argentina in their final assignment at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 on Thursday evening at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Isabella Bandoja — who scored the Philippines’ lone goal in their previous matchup with Argentina — said the home-court atmosphere made their last game extra special.
“This is special, with the atmosphere we had during the game. This really lightened the vibe,” said Bandoja, describing the loud drums, lively music, and roaring fans that filled the arena.
The Filipina5 tightened their defense in the second half and fought hard to prevent Argentina from adding to its tally. But the visiting side still prevailed, 5–1, completing a sweep of their Group A campaign and advancing to the quarterfinal stage alongside Morocco.
Bandoja once again delivered the Philippines’ lone goal, as the hosts wrapped up the group stage with a winless 0–3 record.
“We did very well. Last game na kasi namin ito,” she said. “Binuhos na namin lahat. Dugo’t pawis namin ito.”
Argentina surged ahead early, with Lara Villalba opening the floodgates in the second minute. Mailen Romero and Luciana Natta followed with back-to-back strikes in the fourth minute, before Agostina Chiesa and Melina Quevedo added goals in the seventh minute to complete a five-goal first half.
The Filipina5 settled down defensively after the break, holding the Argentines scoreless the rest of the way in a gritty second-half stand.
In the earlier match, Morocco, behind a goal from Jasmine Demraoui, defeated Poland, 1–0, to secure its spot in the quarterfinals.
