Goals rain down on historic day for women’s futsal
Favourites among the goals as futsal makes Olympic debut
Spain’s Noelia de las Heras scores competition’s first goal
ESP 9-2 BOL⎪DOM 1-9 CMR⎪TRI 0-14 THA⎪CHI 2-15 POR
THE DAY REPLAYED. The opening day of the Women’s Youth Olympic Futsal Tournament Buenos Aires 2018 was a ground-breaking one, as the discipline made its debut as an Olympic sport and the first ever FIFA women’s futsal competition got under way.
Held at two venues in the Argentinian capital, the day’s four games attracted large crowds, who were treated to plenty of goals as pre-match favourites Spain, Cameroon, Thailand and Portugal all recorded big wins.
In Sunday’s opening match at the CeNARD, Cameroon’s Colette Ndzana and Linda Tchomte both helped themselves to hat-tricks against FIFA tournament newcomers Dominican Republic.
Portugal then showcased their competitive know-how in coasting to victory over Chile. Producing some sparkling play at times, the Portuguese were applauded from the court for their performance.
Over at the Futsal Main Stadium, meanwhile, gold medal contenders Spain put in a solid display against an enterprising Bolivia side that rewarded their numerous supporters with a battling display. Noelia de las Heras starred with four goals for the Spaniards.
Thailand then made short work of Trinidad and Tobago. As well as keeping a clean sheet, the Asians also had seven players on the scoresheet, four of them scoring braces.
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Teresa Montesinos’ assist allowed Spain’s Noelia de las Heras to achieve a notable double feat, as she scored the very first goal in futsal’s Olympic history and the first in a FIFA women’s futsal tournament.
Karla Muniz made a little piece of history too, scoring Dominican Republic’s maiden goal in a FIFA competition.
What’s next (8 October) Cameroon-Japan, Group D, Futsal Main Stadium Bolivia-Tonga, Group C, Futsal Main Stadium
Cameroon will look to take another step towards the semi-finals when they go up against a formidable Japan side playing their opening game in the competition.
Meanwhile, Bolivia will go for their first win when they face Tonga, who are appearing in their maiden FIFA tournament.