Linda Caicedo, a 21-year-old striker for Real Madrid Femenino, was interviewed by AS ahead of Colombia's FIFA World Cup group stage match against Portugal.

Reporter: How are you doing? What's your take on the Colombian team right now?

Linda: I'm very honored to be here. Watching the matches up close and supporting our national team is an unforgettable experience.

Reporter: Is this your first time watching the FIFA World Cup in person?

Linda: No, I attended the Qatar World Cup before, but Colombia didn't participate. This time, with our national team on the field, the experience of watching is much better.

Reporter: How important is the FIFA World Cup for Colombia?

Linda: You can see that wherever our national team goes, the place is filled with fans. Colombians are all over the world, and everyone is enjoying this FIFA World Cup. The men's team is performing well and winning consistently. We're on the right path, so why can't we dream of winning the championship?

Reporter: Tomorrow you'll play against Portugal. What do you think about that match?

Linda: Every FIFA World Cup match is very difficult, and each one feels like a final. Portugal has a strong squad, but Colombia is strong too, and I'm confident we can win.

Reporter: What's your opinion on Ronaldo?

Linda: He truly deserves everyone's admiration. I haven't had the chance to meet him, but his career achievements speak for themselves—both at Real Madrid and now representing his national team. He wants to end his career in the best way possible, giving everything in every match. He's an idol and a benchmark for a generation, and it's amazing that he maintains such competitive form at 41 years old.

Reporter: What about Messi?

Linda: He's also my idol. All of his achievements are brilliant, and I'm very excited to be here and see him in person.

Reporter: Will there be any surprises at this FIFA World Cup?

Linda: The FIFA World Cup never lacks surprises. Take recent matches for example—no one was optimistic about Ecuador versus Germany beforehand, but everyone saw the result. The appeal of football lies in its unpredictability; only by letting go of fixed expectations can you find surprises.

Reporter: What makes Colombia confident about beating Portugal?

Linda: Our fighting spirit, our refusal to give up, and our innate optimism. The team itself has solid footballing skills, but I think what makes us unique is the strong mentality of our players and their love for their country. James and Luis Díaz are role models in my heart.

Reporter: The FIFA Women's World Cup next year will attract many viewers, and women's football continues to grow in influence.

Linda: Women's football is developing very well. At the previous tournament held in Australia, every match the Colombian women's team played saw the stadium filled with local fans. Brazil itself has a rich football heritage, and I'm confident there will be a grand FIFA Women's World Cup event there.

Reporter: What's your opinion on Spain's top-tier women's division?

Linda: Many leagues are seeking further development, and I think Liga F's overall development trend is positive. Of course, there's still room for improvement, as with everything. Women's leagues in Spain, England, and the United States continue to grow, and at this stage, I have high praise for Liga F's performance.

Reporter: Are you looking forward to Real Madrid signing new players to strengthen the team?

Linda: Of course. The club's current transfer strategy is very good, and I hope the team can go further this season. I've been with Real Madrid for three seasons and always hope the women's team can reach the same heights as the men's team, but we still have a long way to go to get there.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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