Lack of experience dooms Filipina5 bid

The lack of experience competing on a world-class stage doomed the Philippines’ chances, sending it to a 2-3 loss to Morocco in the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup late Monday at the Philsports Arena.

Filipina5 head coach Rafa Merino said their emotions during the crucial stretch hurt their chances and left them groping for form against the world No. 16 Moroccans.

“I think it confused us a bit (because) we don’t have enough experience to handle this type of scenario,” said Merino, whose wards started strong but melted under the bright lights of the World Cup.

“Scoring that fast in the beginning wasn’t in our plans. We didn’t know it was going to happen. We were not emotionally ready. It affected the players in a way.”

Despite bombing out of contention for a slot in the quarterfinals. Merino said they can’t let the loss affect them as they still have one more match to play against world No. 6 Argentina on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

The Argentines have already secured their spot in the quarterfinals after a thrilling 3-2 win over Poland last Thursday.

“We started with two goals, but it wasn’t enough. The team is quite affected by that, but it cannot let us down because we still have one more game to play against Argentina,” said Merino, wary of the Argentines who crushed the Moroccans, 6-0, in their opening match.

“After this, we still have to find the strength to fight the next game.”

Against the Altas Lioness, the Filipina5 actually looked like it would score an earthshaking upset after Inday Tolentin and Catherine Graversen scoring the country’s first goals in the fourth and eighth minutes, respectively,

But instead of panicking, the Altas Lioness stayed composed.

Displaying tremendous grace under pressure that they acquired through long years of campaigning internationally, Nadia Laftah scored in the 10th, before Siiham Tadlaoui and Jasmine Demraoui found the net in the 14thy and 17th minutes, respectively, that left the Filipina5 nation stunned.