Brazil and Portugal have secured their spots in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan and Italy, respectively, on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
World No.1 Brazil dominated the last remaining Asian team, fifth-ranked Japan, with a convincing 6-1 victory.
Meanwhile, third-ranked Portugal booked their semifinal berth with a commanding 7-2 win over seventh-ranked Italy in the earlier match.
Both nations are now just one step away from chasing the championship.
Brazil wasted no time asserting its dominance, scoring five goals within the first 14 minutes.
Emilly was the standout, netting goals in the fourth and 11th minutes.
Ana Luisa (9′), Debora Vanin (12′), and Luana Rodrigues (14′) all added to Japan’s woes.
Emilly then completed her hat-trick in the 39th minute, sealing a comprehensive win for the Seleção.
Japan did manage a consolation goal through Mizuki Nakamura in the 36th minute, though it was officially credited as an own goal against Brazilian goalkeeper Julia.
“They had already lost the game in the first half,” Brazil coach Wilson Saboia said. “We had three training sessions to prepare against Japan. We studied them thoroughly, just as they studied us. Their cognitive level is very high, but our attack is smart and lethal.
“We had the competence to finish the game at the right moment,” he added.
(C) FIFA
The other quarterfinal showcased Portugal’s dominance over Italy.
Lidia Moreira’s hat-trick (6′, 21′, 35′) and Janice Silva’s brace (24′, 39′) drove the Selecção das Quinas to a comprehensive victory.
Goals from Carolina Pedreira (6′) and Kika (28′) further emphasized Portugal’s superiority.
Italy’s only bright moments came from Erika Ferrara’s 10th-minute penalty and Sara Boutimah’s 29th-minute strike.
“We wanted to go all the way, but winning this match was decisive,” Portugal coach Luis Conceicao said. “We achieved it brilliantly, always respecting the opponent. There were moments when we controlled the game, and moments when we had to suffer, but we remained focused and built when necessary.”
The semifinals will take place this Friday at the same venue, with Argentina facing Portugal at 6:00 PM, followed by Spain taking on Brazil at 8:30 PM.
