After two very important draws against Uruguay and Brazil for the South American Qualifiers, the Colombian National Team has all its attention focused on the crucial duel against Ecuador. Win or win, there is no other option.
In this regard, Rafale Santos Borré spoke at a press conference about the importance of defeating ‘Tri’ in Barranquilla, his work as Falcao’s companion in the attack and the keys to the national team to reach Qatar 2022.
These were his statements:
Missing goal – We as forwards must be very calm. The National Team is something special because normally one of his work with the clubs comes, there you do totally different things and with the National Team we have to get together and work with the base that we have been having. It is something different, different. We try to be calm because we know that we have the conditions, we have the capacity and it is something that we have been doing throughout our career. Peace of mind in these moments is important and trusting that one will be able to carry out those actions. Always thinking that one more is going to stay for you.
Mentality as a starter and as a substitute – I think it changes a bit. When you go as a first baseman, many times you imagine the game in one way or you play 1-2 games before thinking about how it is going to happen. When I’m on the bench, I try to analyze the rival a lot: where it hurts us, where we can hurt it. That gives you a clearer view of what is happening on the field. When you start first base, there are many things that can change and have to be resolved on the court, so it is essential to read the play that each player may have. In that regard, I think we have very intelligent players who understand the game very well and that makes us a very complete team.
Direct duel with Ecuador – We know that it is a rival with whom we are fighting important positions. We believe a lot in the group we have, we know that at home it will be an important game. We have been growing in terms of our game, as we have done here in Barranquilla. It’s about continuing to find that circulation and focus when attacking. It’s going to be a nice game.
Balance against Uruguay and Brazil – Against Uruguay it was our first game. As the teacher spoke to us, many times in the first game the first minutes become a bit complex because it is like getting back together, the little time of work … I had arrived on Saturday very late, after having to get together, traveling to Montevideo, a practice and already having to compete in a complex match due to the strength that Uruguay has at home. The first minutes we knew they were going to be difficult and at that moment we were able to hold on well. After the game we were taking it in good shape: a lot of possession of the ball, we lowered the rhythm of the game, we settled in better. Against Brazil I knew that I had to enter in good shape to try to connect the team, give it strength in the middle of the court and connect more with the attack to create goal options. Thank God it was possible. Many times the matches are totally different, Uruguay offers you one thing, Brazil another, and that is why they are often difficult to evaluate.
Beating Ecuador, key to the World Cup – Thinking about the classification, it can be one of the most important. He is a direct rival, we are fighting positions, it is in our house, we know how the date is given for the rivals. It is going to be a game that can leave us in a good position if we get a win. It is important, but you have to have the necessary focus to face it and the tranquility and confidence in the players that we have.
Climatic conditions in Barranquilla – It is essential that we are comfortable in our home, our land, in order to make a difference and mark that extra that is needed. We know that playing in Barranquilla is not easy both for others and for us. Obviously there are climatic conditions that are complicated. Our captains and leaders are in charge of making those kinds of decisions and consulting them to see how we feel. The most important thing is in the approach we give to the game because the conditions are going to be the same for both teams and if we are focused we can make a difference.
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