In a press conference this Thursday (20th), in Brisbane, winger Antonia spoke about the emotion of playing in a World Cup for the first time. The expectation and anxiety for the debut accompanies her at every moment and she can’t wait for the team to take the field soon – it plays on Monday (24th), against Panama, at 8 am (Brasília time).
“It’s the first game, the debut, the first Cup for a lot of people. It dawned on me, my God, it’s the Cup. Now we have started to turn the key, and we are very anxious to get started soon”, she commented.
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Four years ago, Antonia suffered in front of the TV, cheering for the national team in the World Cup in France. She saw the struggle of her colleagues to achieve a hard-fought classification in the group stage, in which Brazil faced Italy and Australia, in addition to Jamaica.
The team would advance, but would fall in the round of 16 to the host team. Now, in the new challenge of Canarinhas, the player wants to help the team to make history.
“In 2019, I was in Manaus (played for Iranduba), rooting for our companions. My desire was to be there (on the field). Time passed and that’s what happened now. I am really happy. Each athlete has her time, and it is very important to know how to wait for his moment,” said the full-back, in a press conference held in Brisbane.
At 29 years old, Antonia is one of the most experienced players in the group called up by Pia Sundhage. Currently, she defends Levante, from Spain, and is successful in Europe. She arrived at the national team only in 2020, amid a renewal process carried out by the coach.
“I am very comfortable here. Pia lets me be who I am and the group gives me total security. Despite my 29 years, I am part of this renewal of Pia.”
