Mexicans ecstatic after victory: 'This is wonderful, hard to describe in words'
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Mexico celebrated a 2-0 victory against South Africa in a World Cup match.
- Forward Julian Quinones scored the opening goal and expressed joy over his first World Cup goal.
- Midfielder Roberto Alvarado assisted the second goal, scored by Raul Jimenez, and shared his excitement about the team's performance and fan support.
Mexican players expressed elation following their 2-0 victory over South Africa in a World Cup match. Forward Julian Quinones, who scored the opening goal, described the feeling as "wonderful" and "hard to describe in words," fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing in such a significant match at home before passionate fans.
The feeling is truly wonderful, something that is difficult to describe in words, something I have always dreamed of: playing such an important match, at home, in front of these fans. Our plan is always to press the opponent from the start.
Quinones highlighted the team's strategy to press opponents from the start and praised his teammates for securing the crucial three points. He noted the strong support felt from fans in recent days, emphasizing the team's unity on the field. "I am happy and excited to have scored my first World Cup goal on such a spectacular stadium and in front of great fans," Quinones stated.
I am happy and excited to have scored my first World Cup goal on such a spectacular stadium and in front of great fans. It is important for me to also highlight what my teammates did to secure the first three points. In recent days, we have felt the support of the fans. We are united and that was truly visible today.
Roberto Alvarado, who assisted the second goal scored by Raul Jimenez in the 67th minute, echoed the sentiment of joy. He shared his eagerness to provide a pass to Jimenez, knowing his teammate's potential in the penalty area. "I'm glad Raul scored. At halftime, he told me to cross the ball. I didn't need to be told twice, I knew he could be dangerous in that area. Thank God, I assisted, and Raul managed to score," Alvarado said.
The feeling is truly wonderful, something that is difficult to describe in words, something I have always dreamed of: playing such an important match, at home, in front of these fans. Our plan is always to press the opponent from the start. After that, we eased off a bit and perhaps lacked a bit of patience and greater ball possession. I am glad that Raul scored. At halftime, he told me to cross the ball. I didn't need to be told twice, I knew he could be dangerous in that area. Thank God, I assisted, and Raul managed to score.
In contrast, the South African team faced disappointment. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, despite conceding two goals, was recognized as one of the team's top performers. He acknowledged that mistakes at this level are punished, stating, "If you make a mistake, they will punish you. At this level, it is not forgiven." Williams expressed that the team now understands the challenge better, having not been at the World Cup for a long time. "We lost, but we didn't stop fighting. Towards the end of the match, we gave them nothing more. We also had some good chances. We will continue to fight, be united as a team, and we will be better," he added.
If you make a mistake, they will punish you. At this level, it is not forgiven. I think the most important thing is that we now know what we are fighting against, because we are not used to it. We haven't been to the World Cup for a very long time. We lost, but we didn't stop fighting. Towards the end of the match, we gave them nothing more. We also had several good chances. We will continue to fight, be united as a team, and we will be better.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.