With the final ticket to the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup knockouts on the line, Italy staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Iran 3–1 in one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Italy now joins the quarterfinal lineup of the inaugural competition, which includes European teams Spain and Portugal; South American trio Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia; African standout Morocco; and Asian representative Japan.
Meanwhile, in the day’s second game, Brazil cruised to a 9–0 victory over Panama, topping Group D with a perfect three-game sweep to advance to the next round.
The dramatic turnaround in the Italy-Iran match came in the final 10 minutes.
Adrieli Berte and Bruna Borges scored just seconds apart in the 30th minute, flipping Italy’s 1–0 deficit into a 2–1 lead.
The Italians then sealed the win in the 35th minute with a bizarre own goal: Gaby Vanelli shot toward the empty net, and in a desperate attempt to block it, Iran’s Nastaran Moghimi accidentally headed the ball into her own goal.
The Italians celebrated as the final whistle blew, but it was a heartbreaking end for Iran, who had opened the scoring through goalkeeper Farzaneh Tavasoli’s long-range strike in the 10th minute.
“I think that today is a bit of a summary of everything we have done in these years, and above all, the demonstration of having a great character, and this group has always been said to be strong together,” said Italy coach Francesca Salvatore. “Today, I think it has shown that it did not break down under a goal, and it was a really great test of strength.”
(C) FIFA
Unlike the dramatic battle between Italy and Iran, Brazil’s clash with Panama was one-sided from start to finish.
Tampa led the scoring with a hat-trick (‘7, ’35, and ’37), while Lucileia added two goals in the 15th and 18th minutes.
Brazil dominated early, starting with an own goal from Panama’s Kenia Rangel in the first minute. Camila (‘4), Debora Vanin (‘6), and Simone (’20) also found the net, capping another commanding performance for the world’s number one team.
“The power of concentration dropped a little in the second period,” said Brazil coach Wilson Saboia. “We are clear about that. Of course, after the first half ends with 7–0, we have to control this a little more to understand the opponent’s defense, so that we can control the game.”
Brazil and Italy finished first and second in Group D with nine and six points, respectively, after three matchdays. Iran and Panama ended third and fourth with three and zero points.
On Tuesday, Italy will face Portugal at 6 p.m., followed by Brazil against Japan at 8:30 p.m. in the second day of the quarterfinals.
