Tough World Cup prep for PH futsal squad

The Philippines will be up against two of the highly ranked teams in the world and one that is outside of Fifa’s top 30 rankings as the Filipinos make their maiden stint in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup this May in China.

World No. 9 Iran and No. 11 Vietnam, along with No. 31 Hong Kong, are scheduled to face the Philippines in Group B, which was determined after Thursday’s draw proceedings for the continental tournament.

Slated May 7 to 18, the continental tournament is going to serve as part of the team’s preparation for this year’s Fifa Women’s Futsal World Cup that the country will host in November.

Under new coach Rafa Merino, the Philippines reached the Asian Cup for the first time as the best third-place team during the qualification phase held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Katrina Guillou crossed over from her role with the women’s national team to lead the Philippine futsal side to two wins, one draw and one defeat in Group C of the qualifiers. Guillou scored four goals during the campaign.

The newly formed squad delivered despite a controversy that shrouded preparations and led to a dispute between the Philippine Football Federation leadership and the group of ex-coach Vic Hermans and ex-team manager Danny Moran.