The Filipina5 exited without a single win in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025, but Isabella Bandoja will cherish the memories from her experience, highlighted by her goal against Argentina.
Amid Argentina’s onslaught, there was one bright spot for the Filipina5 in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 Thursday night, Nov. 27.
That came in the seventh minute of the second half after Isabella Bandoja scored on a lefty in a 2-on-1 transition to the delight of the partisan crowd at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“Sobrang saya, excited, sobrang chill. Halu-halong emotions right now. Hindi ko ini-expect na makaka-score ako ngayon,” said Bandoja.
Unfortunately, the Filipina5 suffered a beatdown against the world No. 6 Argentinians, 1-5.
The Philippines exited without a single victory in the group phase, where the team scored two goals against Morocco early but still surrendered a 2-3 decision.
Filipina5's Isabella Bandoja on lone goal vs. Argentina in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 Thursday, Nov. 27: 'Thankful kay Lord.' | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Still, Bandoja's rousing goal was something to remember.
“Wala po talaga, nagdadasal na sana palarin [maka-score]. Thankful kay Lord,” Bandoja said.
“Siguro, hanggang pagtanda ko, ikukuwento ko ito sa mga apo ko,” she added with a smile.
Argentina needed only seven minutes to impose its might against the host team.
Within that stretch, Lara Villalba, Mallen Romero, Luciana Natta, Agostina Chiesa and Melina Quevedo scored a goal apiece.
The South Americans paced after that and did just enough to hold on for the win before proceeding to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 win-loss card.
Despite the Filipina5's third straight loss, Bandoja is happy with how she and her teammates fared in the inaugural tournament.
“Napag-usapan namin ‘to before the day ng tournament and until now, last game, ibubuhos [naming ang] lahat para sa bayan,” she said.
“Sobrang satisfying ng performance namin at alam kong ibinigay namin ang best naming lahat.”
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digital)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.