Colombia drew 0-0 with Portugal in their final FIFA World Cup group stage match, and defender Arias was interviewed in the mixed zone after the game.

Hello, Santiago. You were on the bench for the first two games and started this one. Do you think this was Colombia's best performance in the group stage?

I think every game is important. The first, second, and third games, including the upcoming matches, all matter equally. Once we're on the field, the first thing is to do our best and play our football. The team has a very clear game plan, and I think everyone can see that.

Of course, games are played one by one, and the further we go, the more difficult it will become. The important thing is that we are constantly finding our rhythm, and the team is continuously improving. Our focus is now on a very important objective: the upcoming knockout stage. We want to keep moving forward—that has always been our goal, and it's very clear.

I'd like to ask what specific instructions coach Lorenzo gave you. Today you were very solid defensively, always pushing forward when Portugal attacked, and you put in considerable physical effort. What specific tactical instructions did the coach give you? And congratulations on your performance today.

Thank you very much. I think in this team, every player who plays has their own responsibilities and tasks. Of course, we also always respect our teammates in the same position. Muñoz and I are different types of players. Muñoz has his strengths, and I have my own characteristics. In some games, at some stages, the team might need to be more defensively solid, hold their shape first, and then participate in attack when there's an opportunity. But I believe that every player in our team has the ability to execute the tactical arrangements made before the game.

For me personally, I am very happy and proud. Being able to participate in my third FIFA World Cup and get playing time is very special to me. I have always said that whether I play or not, I will support the national team. Thank God, and thank the fans who have always supported us—they always give us strength and make us feel like we are playing at home.

You just mentioned this is your third FIFA World Cup. What feelings has this World Cup brought you so far? Including your thoughts on this group of teammates and the team's ability to advance further?

I think we have that ability. Of course, we always maintain a humble attitude. As we always say, one game at a time—we must go step by step. We have been trying to minimize mistakes, because we know that the further we go in the competition, the more difficult and complex it becomes. This team is very strong now, and it also remains humble. Everyone wants to achieve important goals.

No matter what opponent we face, we will not underestimate them. Whoever the opponent is, we will take them seriously, try our best to play our football, and strive to win. After entering the knockout stage, the difficulty will definitely be greater. Any detail, any mistake could prove costly. So now, more than ever, we need to focus all our energy on the next game.

You are already one of the more experienced players in the team. How should the team stay grounded now? We know Colombian fans are very passionate, and external expectations and voices can sometimes create pressure. What is the atmosphere in the locker room like? How do you stay calm?

I think our mentality has been made very clear: one game at a time, constantly improving ourselves. As I just said, we need to minimize mistakes, and this will be very crucial going forward. The good thing is that this team has both experienced and young players. Those of us who are experienced will communicate more with the young players and tell them: this is just the beginning, this is a very valuable experience—seize it well.

Not everyone gets the chance to represent their country, let alone on a stage like the FIFA World Cup. So we know our direction very clearly, and we know what we want. Of course, we must stay grounded. That's how football is: you can't underestimate any opponent, and every game must be taken seriously.

In the last group stage match, facing a strong team like Portugal, Colombia showed great maturity and composure. Next, you'll face Ghana in the knockout stage. Ghana has some similarities to DR Congo. Are you expecting an easier path to advance?

Not easy at all, absolutely not. We know very well their strengths when facing African teams. They have excellent physical attributes, and many players play for top clubs. But as I said before, we are more focused on ourselves. We will prepare and respond according to our game plan.

Not just us—I believe every team wants to keep going, wants to reach the final and win the championship. The key is that we must have goals, but also remain clear-headed. Whether young players or experienced players, we have proven that this team is like a big family. We know what we want and the direction we are heading.

We have reached the Copa América final before, and there were some mistakes during that experience. But it is precisely these experiences that allow us to continue to grow as a national team. So I think there are many favored teams, but in the end, it still depends on who makes fewer mistakes and who can convert opportunities into goals. This is football—nothing is predetermined.

Back to today's match, how did Colombia play such a near-perfect game? Some would say the ideal result would have been a 1-0 victory, but today's 0-0 draw was equally impressive—both teams fought hard, and many believe Colombia should have won the match.

Sometimes, "deserving to win" doesn't necessarily bring the result. Football still requires fighting on the field, facing the opponent, and doing your best to compete. Today we faced a world-class team, but we believed in ourselves and knew we could threaten them. I think we started well and indeed created many chances, playing attacking football. Of course, we also know that playing this way carries risks, and the opponent will also create threats.

Overall, I think the team performed well on both defense and offense. This game is over, and we will move on, reviewing what went well and what needs improvement. Most importantly, the team is still growing, and our confidence is continuously improving.

We have been talking about external recognition, finishing first in the group, and other positive factors. But what areas does the team still need to improve? For example, today there were many chances, but finishing could be better; the defense also had moments of vulnerability, and the opponent created chances, such as Camilo making a save from Fernandes. What are your thoughts on these issues? How can the team continue to improve and go further in this FIFA World Cup?

Those are more for the coaching staff to analyze. As players, of course, we know what we did well and what still needs improvement. But I still want to emphasize that in such a difficult game, against a team capable of reaching the semifinals or even the final, I'd rather focus on the good things we did first.

We were able to threaten such a team. Of course, they could also threaten us, and that's the nature of competition. I think today we dared to compete, dared to play our style, and stuck to our game plan. So I'd rather keep these positive things. As for specific areas that need improvement, the coaching staff will tell us later. The most important thing now is to carry forward the good things and keep moving ahead.

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