This Tuesday, Diana Gomes was excited to return to Hamilton, where she hopes Portugal will live on Thursday, against Vietnam, feelings similar to those of February 22, the day on which they sealed the qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
“It is a stadium that marked our history, the life of all the players who were there, and of all the Portuguese. And it’s good to be back in that stadium,” said Diana Gomes, adding: “Of course we want to leave the Vietnam game with a good feeling, like we did against Cameroon.”
The Portuguese team is practically forced to beat the Asian team, after losing this Sunday 1-0 against the Netherlands in their senior World Cup debut.
“It was not the result we wanted, but we are improving the aspects that we did less well against the Netherlands and taking advantage of the good ones that we did to take us to Vietnam. Now it’s time to turn the page and focus on the next games, because we have two more games left and we want victory, ”he guaranteed.
The Portuguese players are already studying Vietnam and know that the game will have little resemblance to the debut.
“It is a different party. Vietnam is a very tough rival, who never gives up in every duel. We are studying Vietnam (…) and, in these two training sessions, we are going to take advantage of it to arrive in the best shape for the game ”, he explained.
Against the Netherlands, the Portuguese team did well defensively, conceding just one goal and a set piece, and for Diana Gomes, who turns 25 on Wednesday, the secret is attitude.
“It is not being afraid, approaching each game as a final, facing our rivals, knowing that we are not inferior to them. Don’t be afraid to take a step forward: ‘we’re going for them, they’re no better than us’”, said the Sevilla player.
As for the tactics, the 3-5-2 or the 4-3-3, it is somewhat indifferent for the Portuguese center-back.
“I feel comfortable in any tactic. I am always prepared to help the team in the best way, whatever the position, and all of us, regardless of the tactic that Professor Francisco chooses, are prepared, and all of us together, to give our best in each game”, he said.
At the moment, and despite the defeat in the opening game, it is not yet time to do the math: “It is game by game. Each game is a final and we are going to face all three in the same way. Only then can we reach the round of 16.”
Diana Gomes will celebrate her birthday this Wednesday and is happy to do it in a World Cup.
“It will be a different day for me, because I am celebrating my 25th birthday. I am sure that I will never forget this day and being able to be here with my second family. It’s a huge joy to celebrate my birthday here in New Zealand, it’s something I think was every player’s dream,” she said.
As for the gifts, he hopes to receive them in the coming days: “Of course, I would be even happier if we achieved victory on the 27th (match against Vietnam) and on the 1st (August, with the United States). So yes, it was my birthday,” he concluded.
After the defeat against the Netherlands (0-1 in Dunedin, on Sunday), Portugal will play on Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. (08:30 in Lisbon), in Hamilton, against Vietnam, which debuted with a 3-0 defeat against the United States.
To continue in the race towards the round of 16, a prize for the top two finishers in each group, Francisco Neto’s men need to beat the Asians, in a clash between newcomers, on the second day of Group E.
On the same day, at 1:00 p.m. (02:00 a.m. in Lisbon), in Wellington, the United States will face the Netherlands, in a rematch of the 2019 final, then won by the Americans, who won 2-0.
Source: TSF
