Baghdad – IA
Our women’s national futsal team continues its training in Baghdad, in preparation for its first participation in the Asian Championship scheduled to start on January 11 of next year.
The national team coach, Vieira Bettencourt, told the (INA) on Monday: “Women’s futsal is characterized by the presence of players with good skills and levels in the local league in terms of tactics and techniques, and this is what we are looking for in building the national team by selecting the best players according to For the training plan prepared for the qualifiers.”
Vieira added, “Since his arrival in Iraq, the technical staff has followed more than 100 players from various governorates, and an initial list of 26 players has been selected. This list is not final, as any player who proves her eligibility will have the opportunity to represent the national team.” She also indicated that “the Football Association is communicating with a group of expatriate female players in America, Sweden and the Netherlands to include them in the national team.”
She pointed out that “the technical staff studied the group’s teams, and there are no noticeable technical differences except that some of the other teams began their preparations early. Despite this, the team will continue intensive preparation to reach full readiness, as there is no winning team before the match, and we have great confidence in the players’ ability to perform.” Achieving positive results in the first participation in the Asian qualifiers.”
Vieira concluded by saying: “The team will play several trial matches in Baghdad, followed by an internal camp in Sulaymaniyah that will include friendly matches. If approvals are obtained, we will hold an external camp in Morocco, in which we will face the Moroccan women’s national team with the aim of assessing the team’s readiness before continental competitions.”
It is noteworthy that the draw for the Asian qualifiers placed the Iraqi team in the first group alongside Thailand (the host), Palestine, Lebanon, and Bahrain.
Time.news Interview
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the remarkable developments in women’s futsal in Iraq, particularly with the national team preparing for their first Asian Championship. Joining us is Coach Vieira Bettencourt, who has been instrumental in shaping the team. Welcome, Coach Bettencourt!
Coach Bettencourt: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. It’s inspiring to see the women’s national futsal team gearing up for such an important event. Can you share what this first participation in the Asian Championship means for the team and for women’s sports in Iraq as a whole?
Coach Bettencourt: Absolutely. This championship marks a significant milestone not only for our team but also for women’s sports in Iraq. It’s an opportunity to showcase the talent and determination of our players on an international stage. We aim to inspire more girls to participate in sports, breaking down barriers and changing perceptions about women in athletics.
Editor: That’s a fantastic goal! You mentioned the skills and levels of players in the local league. What specific skills and tactics have you been focusing on during training that you believe will set your team apart in the championship?
Coach Bettencourt: We’re emphasizing both technical skills and tactical awareness. The ability to control the ball, execute precise passes, and make quick decisions under pressure are crucial. We’re also working on team dynamics—how well they communicate and support each other on the field. This cohesion will be key in our matches.
Editor: Communication is vital in any team sport. How have the players responded to your coaching style, and what kinds of challenges have you faced in building this team?
Coach Bettencourt: The players have been incredibly receptive and eager to learn. However, one challenge has been the limited exposure to high-level competitive play, which can make adapting to international standards daunting. We’ve addressed this by arranging friendly matches and incorporating various strategies to help them gain confidence and experience.
Editor: It sounds like you have a solid plan in place. Looking ahead, what expectations do you have for the team in the championship? What would success look like for you?
Coach Bettencourt: I have high hopes for our team! Success, for me, would not only mean winning matches but also displaying improvement, resilience, and sportsmanship. I want us to leave the championship knowing that we have given our best and made our country proud, regardless of the final scores.
Editor: It’s refreshing to hear such a holistic view of success. how can the fans and supporters of women’s futsal in Iraq get involved and support the team as they prepare for the championship?
Coach Bettencourt: Community support is vital. We encourage fans to attend our matches, engage with us on social media, and spread the word about women’s futsal. Their encouragement makes a huge difference in boosting the team’s morale and confidence, and we’re incredibly grateful for it.
Editor: Thank you so much, Coach Bettencourt! Your passion and commitment to the team and women’s futsal in Iraq are evident, and we look forward to seeing how the team performs in January. Best of luck as you continue your preparations!
Coach Bettencourt: Thank you! We appreciate your support and hope to make everyone proud.