Futsal World Cup: Spain, Argentina ease into semis

–FIFA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Spain and Argentina cruised past their quarterfinal foes on Monday to secure berths in the semis of the Fifa Futsal Women’s World Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Irene Cordoba delivered four goals as Spain walloped Morocco, 6-1, while Lucia Rossi’s brace propelled Argentina past Colombia, 4-1.

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Argentina will face Portugal in the semifinals slated Friday at the same venue. Portugal crushed Italy, 7-2, in their quarters matchup. Spain, meanwhile, will take on either World No. 1 Brazil or Japan in the other Final Four pairing.

Cordoba scored her first three goals in the space of the game’s first 90 seconds that set the tone for Spain’s convincing rout.

Her rampage enabled Cordoba to climb up as the tournament’s top scorer with six.

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Morocco was booted out after reaching the knockout phase by way of beating host Philippines and Poland to place second in Group A.

Rossi found the mark during Argentina’s early 3-0 lead eight minutes into the match.