Andreyna on U-17 World Cup spot: “We’re the country of football” | OneFootball

By securing qualification for the final of the South American Women’s U-17 Championship, the Brazilian National Team also booked its ticket to Morocco, where the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be held later this year. Center back Andreyna, one of the most experienced players in the squad with 13 call-ups, highlighted the importance of securing a spot at the World Cup.

“It’s very important because this is Brazil. Qualification will always be an obligation because we are the country of football. But beyond that obligation, it’s also something light, because we know we gain more visibility,” she said.

The player is one of the team’s leaders. She has extensive experience with the Seleção, and this is her third South American Championship. In 2024, Andreyna also won the continental tournament. The center back spoke about the responsibility of leadership and explained how she passes on her experience to the younger teammates.

Andreyna is one of the captains of the Women’s U-17 National TeamCredits: Staff Images/CBF

“I try not to pass my nerves on to them and to make the environment lighter. We’re always doing what we love, and that has to feel light. It’s an honor to become an inspiration for many girls, and I try to be the best person both on and off the pitch,” she said.

Although she has already won the South American Championship, Andreyna has never experienced playing in a final with the Brazilian National Team. That is because, until 2025, the second stage of this competition was played in a hexagonal format, in which the top three teams from each group advanced and all faced each other in a round-robin format. The team with the most points at that stage was crowned champion. With the updated competition format, the tournament now includes semifinals and a final.

Andreyna during the semifinal between Brazil and ChileCredits: Staff Images/CBF

In an exclusive interview with CBF TV, the center back spoke about what it feels like to play in a final for Brazil.

“It’s a new experience because this competition never had a final before. It will be my first feeling of stepping into a final wearing the national team shirt. It will be an honor, and I’m very eager to play,” she concluded.

The Women’s U-17 National Team faces Argentina on Saturday (9) in the South American final. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Brasília time, at Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asunción (PAR), with live coverage on SporTV.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.