Aline Gomes: “My biggest dream is to be at the World Cup” | OneFootball

Speaking at a press conference this Thursday (16) at CT Manoel Dresch in Cuiabá, Aline Gomes emphasized that her “biggest dream” is to play in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Recently arrived at Pachuca in Mexico, where she is enjoying a strong run after playing little for North Carolina Courage in the United States, the smiling forward explained that the transfer was aimed at helping her return to the Brazilian National Team.

“Being back with the National Team is an immense joy for me and my family. I’m sure the move (to Mexico) was to return to the National Team, because my biggest dream is to be at the World Cup, especially in Brazil. I’m very happy to be here, learning and maturing more and more, and coming into games to help, perform well, and leave with the win. It’s an indescribable moment, and I missed this a lot last year.”

The São Paulo native from Tabatinga explained that her “mindset” evolved during her time in U.S. soccer amid limited opportunities.

“I didn’t know how to deal with some situations, I tried to return to Brazil, and I wanted to leave no matter what to play soccer. I was 19 years old, and all I wanted was to play soccer, but it wasn’t happening. I wanted to be with the National Team and enjoy it. Now in Mexico it’s completely different. I grew and matured through this experience, and now I’m in a new and very good moment.”

Aline Gomes during training with the Women’s National Team at CT Manoel Dresch in Cuiabá for the FIFA SeriesCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/CBF

Reinvigorated by the new phase at her club and by her opportunities with the National Team, Aline has been one of the standouts of the FIFA Series. Although she started on the bench in the routs over South Korea (5-1) and Zambia (6-1), she has made a strong impact in the second half of matches and is always asked by fans for photos and autographs.

In Cuiabá, the host city of the tournament, the young forward commented on the legacy the competition will leave for women’s soccer in Mato Grosso and thanked the fans who have been showing up at Arena Pantanal and “making a difference” for the Canarinhas. Next Saturday (18), Brazil will decide the title against Canada at 9:30 p.m. (local time).

“We’re going to leave a huge legacy here, I have no doubt about that. Having the fans there, cheering and shouting our names, makes a huge difference for us. The fans here are supporting us on social media and coming to the stadiums. So it’s really great to have that support from the crowd up close, and it makes all the difference for us on the field.”

Aline Gomes in action in the Women’s National Team’s 5-1 rout of South Korea in the FIFA Series at Arena PantanalCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/CBF

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