FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup - Group C: Portugal 3-1 Japan

Pasig: Japan’s FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 hopes suffered a set-back after going down 3-1 against Portugal in their Group C tie on Tuesday.

Asian champions Japan’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage now depend on victory against Tanzania on Saturday.

It was a cagey start to the contest with Portugal limiting Japan’s offensive play, while keeper Nene Inoue stayed on top of things in keeping out Maria Pereira’s flick on goal and later stopping Janice Silva with a timely challenge.

The Portuguese duo continued to trouble Japan but Inoue remained sharp – first shutting down Pereira at the top of the arc in the eighth minute before parrying Fifo’s powerful drive from distance.

Japan eventually conceded from a corner, as Carolina Pedreira picked out Ana Azevedo, who squeezed her shot past the sprawling Inoue to give Portugal the lead in the 16th minute.

The game opened up with Portugal doubling their advantage seconds later after a poor backpass from Sara Oino allowed Kaka to pounce and rifle home from just inside the arc.

Japan struggled to produce any meaningful chances in the second period, while Inoue pulled off another brilliant save to deny Pedreira following a fast break in the 34th minute.

The East Asian side, however, gave themselves a glimmer of hope with four minutes remaining as Oino struck a powerful shot from distance into the top right corner to reduce the deficit.

Despite turning to power play, Japan couldn’t make the breakthrough with Portugal extending their lead through Azavedo, who outmuscled her marker before slotting home into the unattended goalmouth with seconds left on the clock.

Group C: Portugal 3-1 Japan

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