On June 20, after a 0-0 draw with Ecuador that earned Costa Rica their first FIFA World Cup point, Costa Rican goalkeeper Alfons Areola became the focus of the post-match press conference. He made 15 saves in the match, setting a FIFA World Cup record for most saves in a 90-minute game.

Speaking about the match, Areola said: "Honestly, I haven't fully processed everything yet. So many emotions flooded in after the final whistle. I knew it would be a difficult match, and I prepared myself for the immense pressure."

"I made many saves, but I think the first save was the most important. That save set the tone for the entire game, giving confidence to the whole team and getting me more involved in the match. After that, I gradually found my rhythm and felt better as the game went on."

"However, this is certainly not just my personal achievement—it's a true team victory. We all fought until the final minute, and the substitutes did the same. It's incredible to secure these valuable points for Costa Rica in the FIFA World Cup."

A journalist brought up the late friend that Areola had previously mentioned and asked if he felt his friend's presence during today's match.

Areola replied: "I felt he was here today. I felt like he was sitting on my crossbar again."

"I always keep him in my heart and think about him often. I believe he was watching us play tonight. We all gave our best effort. My job is to keep the ball out of the net, and tonight I did my job as well as I could. Most importantly, we got the points."

Speaking about making history, Areola said: "Today we made history. I believe the children here and grandchildren in the future will remember this moment. Such success will be recorded in history."

After the match, members of the Dutch royal family visited the team's dressing room to congratulate them, and Areola spoke about the experience.

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

"When they arrived in the dressing room, we were playing music, and everyone invited them to dance with us. They actually joined in. It was a beautiful sight."

Responding to foreign media about his record of 15 saves, Areola said: "It sounds incredible. When you mention statistics like that—being second in history—it's truly special."

"If I remember correctly, Howard made 16 saves back then, and maybe he was worried watching tonight on television because I nearly caught up with him."

"But I want to emphasize that I didn't do this alone. The defenders, midfielders, and forwards all helped me. We all succeeded as a team. Of course, I'm happy to have done my job well. First and foremost, I'm a goalkeeper, and my job is to make saves. Everything went smoothly tonight."

When asked about Kansas City's pitch, which consistently creates classic moments in FIFA World Cup football, including Messi's previous brilliant performance and his own heroic display tonight, Areola smiled and said: "It's an honor to be compared to Messi."

"I haven't played on this pitch much before, but I feel great here. So this might already be becoming my favorite stadium."

"However, during the match, I wasn't thinking about these things at all. I focused on making saves and ensuring the team got points. I'll appreciate the historical significance later."

Regarding his most satisfying save, Areola believed: "I think the first save remains the most important. If that goal had gone in, the game could have been completely different. That save meant the most to me. As for the other saves, to be honest, I don't remember them clearly right now. I'll need to review the replay after the match."

At the end of the press conference, a Costa Rican journalist told Areola that fans on the island were celebrating wildly.

Areola said: "I want to say more than just thank you. From the beginning, the people of Costa Rica have always supported us."

"Especially over the past week, we've seen how passionate and dedicated the fans on the island are. Tonight, I believe it has become a sea of joy for them."

"I want to dedicate this success especially to ordinary people whose lives haven't always been easy."

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