On June 20, after a 0-0 draw against Ecuador that secured Curaçao's first point at the FIFA World Cup, Curaçao goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen became the focal point of the post-match press conference. He made 15 saves during the match, setting a record for the most saves in a single 90-minute FIFA World Cup match.

Reflecting on the match, Cillessen said: "Honestly, I haven't fully processed everything yet. There are so many emotions running through my head after the match. I knew it would be a very difficult game, and I was prepared for the immense pressure."

"I made many saves, but I think the first one was the most crucial. That save set the tone for the entire match, giving confidence to the whole team and helping me settle into the game. After that, I gradually found my rhythm and felt better as the match went on."

"However, this is clearly not just a personal achievement, but a true team victory. We all fought until the final minute, including the substitutes. It's truly amazing to secure such valuable points for Curaçao at the FIFA World Cup."

A reporter then mentioned a friend of Cillessen's who had passed away—someone he had previously spoken about—and asked if he felt his friend's presence again today.

Cillessen replied: "I felt he was here today. I felt him sitting on the crossbar with me again."

"I always carry him in my heart and think of him often. I believe he was watching over us tonight. Once again, we all gave everything. My job is to keep the ball out of the net, and tonight I did my job. Most importantly, we got the points."

Speaking about making history, Cillessen said: "Today we made history. I believe the children here and future generations will remember this moment. Achievements like this will go down in history."

After the match, members of the Dutch royal family visited the team's locker room to congratulate them, and Cillessen also shared his feelings about it.

"It was truly special. I've never experienced anything like this before. For a historic match like this, it meant a lot that they came in person."

"When they came into the locker room, we were playing music, and everyone invited them to dance with us, and they really joined in. It was beautiful to see."

When asked by international media about his record of 15 saves, Cillessen said: "That sounds amazing. When you mention statistics like that, about records and being second in history, it's very special."

"If I'm not mistaken, Howard had 16 saves back then. Maybe he's getting nervous watching on TV tonight because I almost caught up to him."

"But I still want to say, this isn't just me. The defenders, midfielders, and forwards all helped me; we achieved this as one team. Of course, I'm also happy with my performance. First and foremost, I'm a goalkeeper, and my job is to make saves, and everything went very well tonight."

When asked about Kansas City's stadium, which consistently produces classic FIFA World Cup moments, including Messi's brilliant performance and his heroic display tonight, Cillessen smiled and said: "It's an honor that you're comparing me to Messi."

"I've never played at this stadium before, but it feels great here, so maybe this is my favorite city now."

"However, during the match, I wasn't thinking about all that. I just focused on making saves and ensuring my team got the points. As for the historical significance, I'll savor that slowly later."

Regarding his most satisfying save, Cillessen believes: "I think the first save is still the most important. If that goal had gone in, the match might have gone very differently. So that save meant a lot to me. As for the other saves, honestly, I can barely remember them now; I'll have to go back and watch the replay after the match."

At the end of the press conference, a reporter from Curaçao told Cillessen that fans on the island were already celebrating enthusiastically.

Cillessen replied: "I want to say more than just thank you. Because from the start, the people of Curaçao have supported us."

"Especially last week, we already saw how passionate and invested the fans on the island are. And tonight, I believe that has completely transformed into an ocean of joy there."

"For ordinary people whose lives aren't always smooth, I especially want to dedicate this success to them."

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.