Moroccans crack WC quarters

MANILA, Philippines — Jasmine Demraoui struck as Morocco edged Poland, 1-0, to march into the quarterfinals of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last night at the PhilSports Arena.

Engaged in a goal-less standoff nearly half hour into the high-stakes dispute for Group A’s No. 2 spot, the Atlas Lionesses pounced on the Poles’ miscue near the goal to set Demraoui for the 29th-minute winner.

The Atlas Lionesses’ defense then held tough en route to the crucial victory that jacked their final card to six points on two wins and one loss for runner-up position in the group.

The No. 14 Poles, who only needed a draw due to superior goal difference advantage against the 31st-ranked Moroccans, wound up third in the group with three points (one win, two losses) and joined winless host Philippines to the exits.

By notching an equally stirring follow-up to their 3-2 come-from-behind verdict over the Filipina5 last Monday that kept them alive after a 0-6 opening loss to Argentina, the reigning African queens moved on to the quarterfinals against powerhouse Spain.

No. 6 Argentina had a lock on top position in Group A at six points ahead of last night’s duel with a gritty Filipina5 crew aching for a brighter ending after dropping its first two assignments.

The No. 2 Spaniards had advanced early from Group B, securing the No. 1 seeding at six points with a game to spare.

Multi-titled world No. 1 Brazil and No. 3 Portugal have also sealed top positions after a 2-win start in Groups D and C, respectively.

With Morocco’s entry, only three slots to the KO rounds remain up for grabs.

Thailand and Colombia, both with three points on one win and one loss, dispute the second ticket in Group B today while Japan and Tanzania fight for Group C’s No. 2 and Iran and Tanzania settle the score in Group D in tomorrow’s quadruple bill.

The quarterfinals explode Monday and Tuesday.