Pablo Rosario’s late winner crowns his rise for Porto and Dominican Republic | OneFootball

Pablo Rosario struck a stoppage-time winner as the Dominican Republic edged Nicaragua 3-2 in their CONCACAF Nations League opener in Santiago de los Caballeros, doing so while filling in at centre-back. The Porto midfielder converted from close range after a set piece, capping his brightest night for the national team.

According to O Jogo, the outing doubled as a rehearsal for Seville against Betis in the Champions, with Jan Bednarek serving the second and final match of his ban and Nehuén Pérez still injured.

Rosario’s club form has surged, highlighted by an outstanding display against Benfica. He was widely viewed as one of the best on the pitch, his crucial headed clearance at 0-0 emblematic of a driving influence that fits Francesco Farioli’s demands, while Porto benefit from a shrewd, low-cost bet.

Team-mate Edarlyn Reyes said Rosario has been with the national side for a year and has had a huge impact, bringing experience, quality and control. He felt Rosario’s passing, recoveries and space creation have been fundamental to a more competitive team.

Reyes added that Rosario chose the Dominican Republic to honour his parents’ roots, joining later at 27 or 28 because there had not been a clear project before. With objectives now defined, he joined at the right moment.

He noted growing interest at home, with fans seeking Porto matches, praising the club for backing a player from a small-football nation and lauding Rosario’s humility and group presence.

Raised in the Netherlands by a single mother with seven siblings, Rosario has spoken of leaking homes, power cuts and prioritising food, experiences he says made him grow faster and stronger.

His path wound through Feyenoord at 11, a short PSV spell with a host family, then Ajax, where injuries led to release. After Almere City, he earned a return to PSV, determined not to let the dream slip.

Source: O Jogo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”