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Women’s National Team

Mariona Caldentey: “We want to finish top of the group”

Mariona Caldentey took questions from journalists at the official pre-match press conference ahead of the Portugal vs Spain match.
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Thu, 03/04/2025 - 18:51

The Spain forward took her seat in the press room before the final training session to prepare for the match against Portugal in the UEFA Women’s Nations League qualifying phase. Spain, currently on three points and third in the group, face Portugal, who lead Group A3 with four points.

Regarding the importance of tomorrow’s match, Mariona commented, “We want and need six points in this international break because we didn’t pick up any in the last match, so we’re playing catch-up. We want to finish top of the group, and that means we have to go out looking for the win. We cannot afford any slip ups.”

It is essential to take points against a Portugal side the Spain squad expect to make things very difficult for their guests, “They are a very aggressive team that makes the game uncomfortable for their opponents, and they have high-quality players in midfield and attack. They have players who are individually very strong, and work well as a team, they are tough to play against. They’re always eager to beat us, and playing in their stadium will make it an even more challenging match.”

On the sporting side, she highlighted one of Spain’s main strengths: “We are a team that responds well to adversity and performs well under pressure. Fortunately, we are getting used to success and winning, and expectations are high, we have to live with that. We are aware of the level we have, and we want to show it in every match.”

To secure victory, goals are needed, but it is not something the team is obsessing over, the forward admitted: “It’s not a concern. Against England, we couldn’t score, but previously against Belgium, we scored three. We have already shown that we have attacking potential and that scoring goals does not depend on just one player. We want to do well and score as many goals as possible, but things don’t always go as planned. We always keep working on things.”

And Portugal, in addition to being our opponents in the Nations League, have also been drawn in Spain’s group at the Euros, making this a good opportunity to test themselves against them: “In the end, that’s how it has worked out; we didn’t choose it. Portugal are always a tough team, and we know many of their players who play in Spain. This will help us prepare for the Euros. I hope tomorrow we do things well and get the win.”

Watch Mariona Caldentey and Montse Tomé’s press conference again.

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