Traditional powerhouse Brazil — ranked number one in the world — opened its 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over a resilient Iran on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Meanwhile, Italy overwhelmed Panama 17-0, setting an early tournament record for the largest winning margin in a match during the first game of the afternoon.
The eight-time Copa América Futsal Femenina champions were held goalless until the 15th minute. Ana Luiz finally broke the deadlock with a neat finish in the final five minutes of the first half, and Debora Vanin doubled Brazil’s lead in the 17th minute.
In the second half, Emilly completed a brace, scoring in the 21st and 24th minutes to seal the win.
Iran, however, did not leave empty-handed as Masha Kamali pulled one back in the 25th minute.
“Brazil isn’t the only favorite. Five or six teams are the favorites, of course. Brazil is one of the favorites,” said Brazil coach Wilson Saboia. “We are working game by game, we are mentally preparing the girls, making sure that we build our victories within a more collective context, knowing that we have some very good individual athletes.
“We are not looking at the team as favorites; we are looking at each game individually, trying to focus, understand our opponents, and do everything possible to overcome anything.”
(C) FIFA
While the Brazil-Iran clash was competitive, the same could not be said for the Italy-Panama opener.
The difference in quality between the Italians and Panamanians was evident, with six Italian players scoring at least twice.
Renata Adamatti (10’, 27’, 34’) and Sara Boutimah (3’, 23’, 37’) recorded the tournament’s first hat-tricks.
Meanwhile, Greta Ghilardi (10’, 34’), Rafaela Del’Maz (27’, 28’), Brenda Bettioli (28’, 35’), and Gaby Vanelli (31’, 35’) each scored twice.
Other scorers for Le Azzurre included Erika Ferrara (15’), Andrieli Berte (36’), and Alessia Grieco (40’).
Italy’s 17-0 triumph set a new tournament record, surpassing Portugal’s 10-0 win over Tanzania earlier in the day.
“Today I know, it was magic from the beginning to the end of the match, regardless of the opponent,” said Italy coach Francesca Salvatore. “The girls, however, faced the match with intelligence, and above all, they slowly increased the pace, and it was the first step. If we have to do the same thing again, we will do it again on Wednesday.”
With their wins, Italy and Brazil sit atop Group D with three points each, but Italy leads on goal difference (+17 vs. Brazil’s +3).
Iran and Panama occupy third and fourth place following their losses.
This Wednesday, Panama will face Iran at 6:00 PM, followed by a marquee clash between Brazil and Italy at 8:30 PM.
