“Pure Joy”: Cuba’s Men’s Under-20 Football Team Seals Historic Draw

Baseball, the national sport, has long been Cuba’s sporting passion. But football is on the rise: In this year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Cuba came back from 0–2 against Italy to score its first-ever point at the tournament. Michael Camejo’s 87th minute goal made history, and gave many hope for the future of football on the island. 

TRANSCRIPT

Baseball, the national sport, has long been Cuba’s sporting passion. But football is on the rise: In this year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Cuba came back from 0–2 against Italy to score its  first-ever point at the tournament. Michael Camejo’s 87th minute goal made history, and gave many hope for the future of football on the island. 

Leandro Mena, Defender, Cuba U-20 World Cup Team, said, “In the 87th minute when Michael Camejo scored the last goal for the draw, it felt wonderful.”

He added, “I looked up at the Cuban fans in the stands. It was pure joy.” 

Karel Pérez, Captain, Defender, Cuba U-20 World Cup Team, recalled, “We were down 2-0 at half time. In the dressing room, I remember we talked and we were desperate. But I told everyone that we were going to draw, and that we were going to enjoy it.”

Norlys Chávez, Defender, Cuba U-20 World Cup Team, added, “We’re talking about Italy. For me, they are one of the top five teams in the world.” 

Mena said, “The Italians never imagined that result.”

Chávez added, “Two goals against Italy was a victory for us.”

Marcos Campos, Midfielders, said "because we knew we had achieved something that had never happened with Cuban football.”

Fans shouted, “Come on! This is Cuba, man!”

Diego Catazus, Midfielder, expressed, “I play in Italy, and competing against many of my Italian teammates was beautiful.”

Camilo Pinillo, Defender, shared, “I am half Cuban". “But I was born in Belgium. I think my dad especially is really happy that I’m playing for Cuba’s national team.”

Raballo added, “I was born in Italy, in Turin. My mother was born in Songo La Maya. Playing the World Cup with Cuba is an honor for me, my family, my Cuban mother.”

He continued, “And for all my cousins, and my friends who used to play with me in “Parque de los Sueños” in Santiago de Cuba.”

Norlys Chávez recalled, “We lost 3-1. We lost concentration early on. They scored an early goal and not every team can recover from that.”

Raballo reflected emotionally, “When I scored, I almost cried because it was my first goal for the national team.”

Diego Catazus added, “We gave our all, but they played very well.”

Karel Pérez stated, “Around the 60th minute I told the players to enjoy the World Cup. Because in the end, it’s a great experience.”

Leandro Mena said, “My dream is to help Cuba qualify for the World Cup.”

Diego Catazus affirmed, “A World Cup with the Italian shirt doesn’t cross my mind. I prefer to play with the Cuban shirt.”

Raballo explained, “To be a part of a small team, and to take it somewhere so big, would be something to be proud about.”

Karel Pérez concluded, “I think that for Cuba to qualify for the senior World Cup 2030, we just have to believe in ourselves and work hard.”