Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay in their second group match of the FIFA World Cup. Kevin Pina, who scored Cape Verde's first-ever goal in FIFA World Cup history, was interviewed in the FIFA mixed zone after the match.

Kevin, congratulations on today's result. This means a lot to Cape Verde, and it's also Cape Verde's first goal in FIFA World Cup history. What does this goal mean to you and to Cape Verde?

I think the best word to describe this feeling is pride, and of course, great joy. 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 Cape Verde's first-ever goal in FIFA World Cup history, how do you feel now?

As I just said, the word that comes to mind right now is pride, great pride.

When Cape Verde drew with Spain, many people thought it was a surprise. Now you've drawn with Uruguay again, and you're in a position to qualify for the next stage. Is Cape Verde no longer just a surprise—have you truly proven your strength? Do you believe you can qualify for the next stage and show everyone that this team is more than just an "underdog"?

I don't think this is a surprise for us as players. Because we have worked hard and stayed focused. We've always pursued higher objectives. For the outside world, this may be a surprise, but for us, it is not. Being in this position now is a positive sign for us. We must continue to show our strength and the cohesion of this team. The most important thing now is to think about the next match, and we are full of confidence.

Congratulations on this result and on scoring Cape Verde's first goal in FIFA World Cup history. I'd like to ask you about the fans in the stadium. You must have felt that there were not only many Cape Verdean fans, but also Brazilian and other Latin American fans supporting Cape Verde. What do you think about that?

It's a wonderful thing. I want to take this opportunity to thank our people and also the Brazilian people. I know they have given us tremendous support. We will continue to work hard to bring joy to our people and to everyone who supports us.

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

It means that we are here to compete, to face our opponents. Our goal is to get out of the group. We are not just here to participate in the FIFA World Cup. We know this is Cape Verde's first time at the FIFA World Cup, but we are here to fight and work hard to achieve our objectives.

Many voices have spoken against the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing that it should only belong to traditional powerhouses and well-known teams. Now, precisely because FIFA has expanded, teams like yours have the opportunity to be on the FIFA World Cup stage and prove themselves. What do you think about that?

I think that's a very good thing for us. I'm very happy to be able to prove ourselves on such a platform. We know there are many favorite teams in the FIFA World Cup, and many teams with glorious histories. But at the same time, small countries like ours also want to prove to the world that we deserve to be on this stage too. We will continue to unite and work toward common objectives.

At the moment you scored, we saw you pause for a second or two. Were you somewhat in disbelief at becoming the first player to score in FIFA World Cup history for Cape Verde? How do you explain your reaction at that moment? And how did you feel when you looked up to the stands and saw so many people proud of that moment?

I think that's difficult to put into words. It was an incredibly happy moment. I paused for a second or two because I wanted to see where my daughter was; I wanted to dedicate this goal to her. I'm very happy and proud to represent my country.

You're attracting more and more attention now. Your social media followers were only 50,000, and they've increased significantly. What does that mean for your team? Will it make you stronger?

I think in a certain way, yes. It shows the love and support we receive from people around the world. Because it's not just Cape Verdeans who are following us, but also Brazilians, Portuguese, and people from all over the world. It means a lot to us, showing that people everywhere support us and are paying attention to us.

Traduit par IA.

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