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

First, congratulations to Colombia on finishing at the top of the group; the team performed exceptionally well. What do you think was missing for Colombia today to win the match? After all, opportunities like these shouldn't be easily wasted in such games.

You asked what was missing, and I think it was just one goal. We reached the opposition goal several times today, but in the end we couldn't put the ball in the net, which is definitely a bit disappointing because we created scoring opportunities. Sometimes that's what we lack: when an opportunity arises, you have to take it and score.

We also understand that in such matches, the opponents are very strong, the game will be very tight, and opportunities won't be plentiful. So once an opportunity arises, we must try our best to convert it into a goal.

Like the Colombian fans present today, many people back home are very satisfied with the team's performance in this group stage. Do you feel the same? With 7 points from three group matches and no goals conceded in the last two, is the team satisfied with this result?

Of course, we're very happy. As you can see, our goal today was to win. From the first minute to the last, we were seeking victory. We just couldn't win the match in the end—that's football. But the important thing is that we advanced as group winners and didn't concede any goals. As you said, that certainly gives the team extra confidence.

However, humility is always what matters most. We still need to keep working hard, address our own issues, and constantly improve. I believe it's this attitude that will help us go further in this tournament. What we need to do now is continue working hard.

You played an outstanding match today. Your opponent is considered one of the teams with a chance to compete for the FIFA World Cup title, and you had every opportunity to win the match. Based on your performance and current results, can Colombia also be considered a title contender?

I think I'll leave that for you to judge, whether we are a favorite team or not. As I just said, we will continue to be humble and work diligently. We are a team that got here step by step; no achievement is easy.

We know this is the right path. Next, there will be very important matches for both the national team and each of us individually. So what we need to do is keep working hard and maintain our current attitude.

First, I want to express our condolences on behalf of the Venezuelan people and the entire Colombian national team. We sent encouragement and support to the areas affected by the earthquake in Venezuela, and we observed a minute of silence. Next, I want to ask: how will you approach the next match and the rest of your journey in the FIFA World Cup?

First, I want to take this opportunity to express our support to the people of Venezuela and everyone in the world who is going through difficult times. We must unite because we know what they are going through is not easy. Some things are beyond our control. In moments like this, I believe only God can truly help us. As long as we trust in Him, everything will gradually improve.

We pray to God, hoping that all of this ends soon and that He helps the Venezuelan people. We are with you and hope you don't feel alone. If you need help, you should seek it.

As the Colombian national team, we pray for you every day because we know you are going through a very difficult time. As I just said, God will help us overcome this challenge. Regarding the upcoming matches, it's the same: we must continue working hard, step by step, and remain humble. I believe that by doing this, we can go further.

Every match at the FIFA World Cup is difficult. The opponent we face next may be physically different from Portugal. Portugal is more complex in terms of ball control. But no matter who we face, as long as we dare to play and show ourselves, we can create difficulties for the opponent. So we will continue to maintain our style of play and actively seek victory. God bless you all.

Many Colombian fans today believe the team needs to take it one step at a time, and every 90 minutes in the knockout stage is crucial. Colombia finished first in a very difficult group, and the outside world feels the team's form is improving more and more. How high do you think Colombian fans should set their expectations? Do you also feel that the team is constantly growing?

That's how football is. No matter which group we're in at this FIFA World Cup, this is the World Cup. As you can see, some very strong teams, even some former world champions, have already been eliminated; and some teams reached the knockout stage for the first time. So this is the FIFA World Cup. What we need to do is continue to be humble and move forward diligently.

As for the Colombian people, I want to say that expectations and dreams certainly exist. We can't take away everyone's expectations because it's precisely those expectations that keep us motivated. I think they have expectations, and so do we. But those expectations should be built on humility and a realistic attitude. We must go one step at a time, constantly correct our mistakes, and consolidate the aspects we did well. But I won't ask them to abandon hope. We are Colombians, and that expectation is the force that drives us.

First, congratulations to Colombia on a great match. Whose jersey did you ask for after the game? Can you tell us about that? Also, you've played in Portugal. How did it feel to face such an important European team today? Does this 0-0 draw indicate that Colombia can compete on equal terms with them?

As you can see, it was a very intense match. Many players on our squad play abroad, and many have adapted to European football or have played there before. Everyone knows that playing in Europe is not easy; the environment, the pace of play, and every aspect are different there.

I believe now we are capable of competing with these teams. We don't feel inferior to anyone. If we start the match with the mentality that "we're not as good as the opponent," then that gap will be amplified. Of course, I still have to emphasize that we must remain humble. Whether the opponent is Portugal or another team, we will face them with the same attitude. We won't overestimate or underestimate our opponent.

That's also the direction we always pursue. Because if we focus only on the opponent, we may neglect our own issues, and those are the problems we really need to improve. As for the jersey, it was from my Benfica teammate Tomás. I wish him all the best. He's a very good person, and I hope he continues to do well in the future. I also thank him for exchanging shirts with me. Thank you all, goodbye, and have a good night.

Traduzido por IA.

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