Kevin Piña, who scored Cabo Verde's first-ever World Cup goal in their 2-2 draw with Uruguay in their second group stage match, spoke to the media after the game.

Kevin, congratulations on today's result. This means so much for Cabo Verde, and it's also Cabo Verde's first-ever World Cup goal. What does this goal mean to you and to Cabo Verde?

I think the word that best describes this feeling is pride, and of course, I'm very happy. I want to dedicate this goal to my daughter. Now, we need to focus on the next match, because that match is very important for us.

As the player who scored Cabo Verde's first-ever World Cup goal, how do you feel right now?

As I just said, the word that comes to mind is pride, immense pride.

When Cabo Verde drew with Spain, many people thought it was a surprise. Now you've drawn with Uruguay, and you're in a position to advance to the next stage. Is Cabo Verde no longer just a surprise, but actually proving its strength? Do you think you can advance to the next stage and show everyone that this team is not just an underdog?

I don't think it's a surprise for us as players. Because we've put in a lot of effort and stayed focused. We've always aimed high. For outsiders, it might be a surprise, but not for us. Being in this position now is a positive sign. We need to keep showing our strength and the unity of this team. The most important thing now is to focus on the next match, and we're full of confidence.

Congratulations on this result, and congratulations on scoring Cabo Verde's first-ever World Cup goal. I'd like to ask you about the fans here. You must feel that there aren't just many Cape Verdean fans, but also Brazilian and other Latin American fans supporting Cabo Verde. How does that feel?

It's something very wonderful. I want to take this opportunity to thank our people, and also the Brazilian people. I know they've given us a lot of support. We'll keep working hard to bring joy to our people and to everyone who supports us.

You scored two goals in Miami and ultimately drew with Uruguay. What does this mean to you?

It means we came here to compete, to compete head-to-head with our opponents. Our goal is to advance from the group stage. We didn't come here just to participate in the World Cup. We know this is Cabo Verde's first World Cup, but we came here to fight and work hard to achieve our objectives.

There have been many voices against World Cup expansion, arguing it should only belong to traditional powerhouses and established teams. Now, precisely because FIFA expanded the tournament, teams like yours have been able to take the stage and prove yourselves. What do you think about this?

I think this is very good for us. I'm very happy to be on such a platform and show what we're worth. We know there are many favorite teams at the World Cup, and many teams with glorious histories. But at the same time, small countries like ours also want to show the world that we deserve to be on this stage. We'll stay united and work toward a common goal.

At the moment you scored, we saw you pause for one or two seconds. Were you slightly in disbelief that you'd become Cabo Verde's first-ever World Cup goalscorer? How do you explain your reaction at that moment? And how did you feel when you looked at the stands and saw so many people proud of this moment?

I think it's hard to describe in words. It was an incredibly happy moment. I paused for one or two seconds because I wanted to see where my daughter was, and I wanted to dedicate this goal to her. I'm very happy and proud to represent my country.

You're now getting increasing attention. Your social media followers were only 50,000, and now they've grown significantly. What does this mean for your team? Will it make you stronger?

I think in a way, yes. This reflects the love and support we receive from people all around the world. Not only Cape Verdeans follow us, but also Brazilians, Portuguese, and people from all over the world. This means a lot to us, letting us know that people worldwide support and follow us.

Traducido por IA.

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