Brazil and Spain asserted their reputation as the top two teams in the Fifa rankings after headlining the list of quarterfinalists in the Futsal Women’s World Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The group stage drew to a close on Saturday with Brazil pounding Panama, 9-0, behind a hat trick from Lediane Marcolan and a brace from Lucilela, to complete a three-game sweep of Group D.
Spain likewise won all three matches in Group B after Friday’s 7-0 drubbing of Canada, with Laura Cordoba, among the top scorers of the competition, accounting for one of the goals.
Also with three wins out of three matches is Portugal in Group C following its 10-0 shellacking of New Zealand, with Tifo scoring twice.
Also advancing are group runner-ups Colombia from Group B, Japan in Group C and Italy in Group D.
They joined Argentina and Morocco, which placed first and second in Group A where host Philippines was drawn.
The quarterfinals will start Monday at the same venue with Argentina taking on Colombia at 6 p.m. followed by Spain against Morocco at 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday’s other quarterfinal twinbill pits Portugal and Italy at 6 p.m. before the clash between Brazil and Japan at 8:30 p.m.
The winners advance to the semifinals on Friday, with the final slated for Sunday.