Portugal’s women’s futsal coach Luís Conceição has underscored the critical importance of Tuesday’s World Cup quarter-final against Italy, calling it the defining moment for the team’s tournament success.
Conceição described the quarter-final as “the line that separates success from failure.” He stated it determines whether the team advances or returns home. He anticipates it will be Portugal’s most challenging match.
“If we want to go all the way, we have to win,” Conceição said in comments released by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
He highlighted Italy’s experienced players. Many are accustomed to major club and national team competitions.
Portuguese player Inês Matos also emphasized the challenge. She focused on Italy’s physical style of play.
“Italy is a very difficult opponent,” Matos said. She noted their reliance on physicality due to their players’ characteristics.
Both Conceição and Matos stressed the need for maximum effort. “It’s a knockout,” Conceição reinforced. “You have to play at the limit.”
The match is scheduled for Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Manila, Philippines. Kick-off is set for 10:00 AM local time.
This event marks the inaugural edition of the FIFA women’s futsal World Cup. Portugal advanced to the quarter-finals with a perfect record in Group C, scoring 23 goals and conceding only one.