Portugal’s women’s futsal team is poised for a strong start in the inaugural FIFA Futsal World Cup, with coach Luis Conceição and captain Ana Azevedo emphasizing the need for an opening victory despite the unique challenge posed by their first opponent, Tanzania.
Coach Conceição underlined the critical importance of a positive start to their campaign. “In this type of competition, and being the first one, it is extremely important that we start well,” he stated.
He added that early goals would help the players “loosen up, and things, naturally, will happen,” setting the tone for their desired trajectory in the tournament.
Captain Ana Azevedo echoed this sentiment, expressing the team’s readiness and dream-like state. “It’s the first World Cup, and we are all very proud to be here,” she said, confirming the squad’s focus on winning their initial match.
Portugal is set to face Tanzania on Sunday in the Philippines. The match is scheduled for 6:30 AM local Lisbon time (UTC+0), or 2:30 PM in Manila, Philippines.
The team is part of Group C, alongside Japan and New Zealand.
The tournament marks the first-ever FIFA-organized Futsal World Cup for women.
Conceição acknowledged the squad’s anxiety, a natural feeling given the magnitude of the event. “The strategy work is done; now, it’s about releasing: let the first game come, it’s the most important thing,” he explained.
He noted the team has been in the Philippines for nine days and is eager to play.
The coach issued a warning about Tanzania, highlighting that the African team has significantly altered its roster since the qualification phase. This presents a “surprise factor” for Portugal.
Conceição described Tanzania as a “very physical” opponent that might make the game “chaotic, disorganized.” He stressed Portugal’s mission to counter this by imposing their own structured play.
Azevedo, 39, who plays for Nun’Álvares, spoke about the blend of responsibility and enjoyment. “We have the responsibility to represent so many others who could be in our place,” she noted.
She encouraged her teammates to “enjoy what we are experiencing” to perform optimally.
Following their opening game, Portugal will play Japan on Wednesday. They will conclude the group stage against New Zealand on November 29.
The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarter-finals.