FIFA World Cup: Spain attacking midfielder Alex Baena was the hero of his side's hard-fought 1-0 win over Uruguay on Saturday, which secured qualification for the World Cup round of 32 as Group H winner, but in an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the Atletico Madrid player put his success down to the help of others.
"I'm lucky to have a fantastic team with a nutritionist, a physical trainer, and a physiotherapist," said the player, who recently celebrated his 24th birthday.
"They're like family to me. But I don't think I'd be here today if it weren't for my psychologist," said Baena, who added that his psychologist "focuses on positive energy."
"He tries to teach me that I need to be more positive, to bring out that positive energy I have inside, which I often struggle with."
"I really believe in destiny, that there are no coincidences in this life, and that everything comes in its own time," added Baena.
He explained that he dedicated his goal to Maria Caamano, a 13-year-old girl who died in April of a rare form of bone cancer. During her life, Maria had been a passionate football fan who had been close to Atletico Madrid and the Spain national team, even taking part in the celebrations after the 2024 European Championship, reports Xinhua.
Baena scored his goal on what would have been Maria's 14th birthday.
"I think destiny wanted me to score my first World Cup goal on her birthday, and win the MVP award... I think it was a perfect day," he explained, adding that although his goal was helped by an error from Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, "I think she helped a little bit to push that ball in instead of it going out."
"From the first day we met, I've loved her and her family very much, and I hope we can dedicate this title to them," continued Baena.
Meanwhile, Spain has had some positive news on the injury front with the confirmation that winger Nico Williams didn't suffer a torn groin muscle in his side's 1-0 win over Uruguay and has a chance of playing again in the World Cup.
"From the first day we met, I've loved her and her family very much, and I hope we can dedicate this title to them," continued Baena.
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Williams wrote on social media that it was the "worst day" of his life, but tests have shown that he hasn't suffered a torn muscle and that, although he won't be able to play against Austria on July 2 in the last-32, if Spain qualifies, he will have a chance of playing in either the last-16 or quarter-finals.