Catalina Perez World Cup Diary Part II
MONCTON, N.B. – University of Miami goalkeeper Catalina Perez is a member of Colombia’s team at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and is writing a multi-part diary to HurricaneSports.com during her experience in Canada.
Additionally, Perez is providing pictures for a gallery that will be updated throughout her time at the World Cup.
Tuesday, in part two of her diary, Perez shares her emotions as the team opens play just hours away against Mexico, at 4:00 p.m. ET and on FOX . . .
The day of our debut in the World Cup is finally here, the moment we have all been waiting for and dreaming about for so long. The energy and happiness we feel within us and radiate to each other is something indescribable, yet beautiful.
All 23 players and the coaching staff have had very different journeys to get here, yet most of our goals have been the same. Independent of our individual battles, we all dreamed about being here right now.
We stand together for a collective and bigger goal. As the coaches tell us, we are here to write our own history. We are here for our country. We are here to show that futbol is not only a men’s sport in Colombia. We are the first generation of many Colombian females to play soccer at a high level.
Going into the game, we are focused on the tactical pieces and instructions the coaches have given us. Our goal is to stay calm, confident, and strong from the first to the very late second of the match, independent of where we are on the field.
We are also looking to enjoy the experience to the fullest. We have worked hard to be here. Therefore, it is important to be present and live this with a smile while responsibly giving everything we have, and a little extra, to get our first win in a World Cup!
I wish I could express all I feel in words, but I feel so much in my heart that it is difficult. I feel very blessed to be here and to be able to have my family in the stadium supporting me. Thank you to everyone for supporting me and for supporting our team. Thank you for being part of this unforgettable experience.
