Rodrigo discusses suffering a nasty injury in the UAE 2024 Dubai final, his hat-trick, the post-game celebrations and Romario’s presence.
- Rodrigo discusses suffering a nasty foot injury in the UAE 2024 final
- He reflects on his hat-trick and the post-game celebrations
- Rodrigo thanks Romario and CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues
February, by the Gregorian calendar, is the only month that can be classified as ‘perfect’. February 2024 wasn’t – it began on a Thursday and comprised 29 days, but it unequivocally was for an August child. On its 12th day, at the Beach Soccer Stars Gala in Dubai, Rodrigo was crowned the sport’s Best Men’s Player for the first time. On its 25th, the diehard Flamenguista saw his idol, former Flamengo striker Romario, in the stands as he prepared to represent Brazil in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ final. Rodrigo then delivered one of the greatest performances ever witnessed in the fixture, it included choreographing Leandro Casapieri’s sending off, providing an assist and hitting a hat-trick as the Seleção of the sand conquered the elusive ‘hexa’.
Rodrigo chats to FIFA about cutting his foot in the final, his hat-trick, the post-match celebrations, and praise from Romario.
FIFA: How did it feel to see Romario in the stands at the final?
Rodrigo: I heard there was a possibility he’d be there. He’s one of the biggest idols Brazil has ever had. He played for my club, Flamengo. He’s one of the greatest players in football history, maybe the deadliest of all time in the penalty area, and he was incredible at our sport too. Romario is someone we have immense admiration for. For him to honour us with his presence on such a monumental day meant everything. When I saw him in the stands, it was a source of real inspiration. And I think I had a bit of a Romario day! (laughs)
What did you think of the final?
We knew we were up against a really tough team. They had Josep, who was deservedly named the best player at the World Cup, and several other great players. They scored a good opener, which made it difficult for us. Casapieri was pulling off unbelievable saves, but we remained calm. We were in control of the ball, the game and believed the goals would come. [Andrea] Carpita is an excellent goalkeeper, but losing Casapieri was a big blow to Italy. He’s exceptional, was recently crowned the best goalkeeper in the world. After he went off, the goals started flowing. Thank God we became champions. I think we were worthy winners. I want to congratulate Italy. I think they had nine players appearing in their first World Cup. That’s not easy. I think our experience prevailed, but this Italy side have a wonderful future. I think we’re worthy of congratulations too. I think we played beautifully and were also warriors when we needed to be throughout the competition.
A certain No. 9 was a warrior in the final, right…
With three minutes left in the second period, I suffered a nasty cut on my foot, under the little toe. I didn’t want to say anything because I feared they would make me go off. I played the remaining three minutes with a cut foot. There was no time to stitch it up between periods, so I wrapped it up and carried on. I wouldn’t have cared if it was broken, nothing was taking me off in such an important game. As soon as the game finished, I went and washed the cut, put something on it to avoid infection, and went and had three stitches.
How did it feel to hit a hat-trick and produce such an epic performance in the final?
I think one of Brazil’s biggest strengths is how many players we have who can win a game. In each game at the World Cup, it was a different player. Thank God the final was my day (laughs). Scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup final is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. But I didn’t win Brazil the title. It was down to the whole squad. Every player played their part. Offensively many different players contributed and defensively we were excellent. I want to praise Bobo, who made some excellent saves at really important moments during the tournament. Having Bobo in goal instils us with confidence.
What were the celebrations like after the game?
Imagine a group of ecstatic guys! (laughs) We didn’t have that much time. We had four, five hours before we had to go to the airport. We went to the hotel restaurant, ate pizza, celebrated. We had worked so hard together for a long time to win this historic title. It was the realisation of a huge dream. It was a really special and gratifying time.
How did it feel to finally win Brazil the ‘hexa’?
It meant everything. It’s hard to put into words. The whole of Brazil had longed for this for a long time, everyone was always talking about it. We finally managed to do it and it was an amazing feeling. Hopefully now the Seleção can win the hexa in futsal and football. And as president Ednaldo [Rodrigues] said, now we’ll go after the ‘hepta’.
How did it feel to have the CBF president supporting you in Dubai?
It was the first time that a CBF president had been present at the World Cup. He committed himself to beach soccer, he helped us with many things. He’s committed to building an arena at Granja Comary, the CBF headquarters, and creating a league, organised by the CBF, for clubs. Beach soccer has come on a lot thanks to Ednaldo, and it will continue to grow under his leadership. We’re very grateful to him for everything.
How did it feel to see your family when you came through the arrival gates in Rio de Janeiro?
Wonderful. I came through the gates and my son came sprinting over to hug me! It was a euphoric moment, really gratifying. I was missing him like crazy. It was wonderful to hug my wife. She told me she’d cried a lot during the day of the final! My wife plays beach soccer and had dreamed of this world title so much. I spend a lot of time away from home, but I do it searching for a better life for my family. Without the support of my wife, my son, my parents, there is no way I would be playing for the Seleção and winning such a beautiful title.
Then you had a little chat with Romario?
When we came through the gates, the media was there. Romario was giving an interview and they called me over to participate in it. I joked that I’d had a day like Romario. He said that I was the baddest of the bad. I had a little chat with him afterwards. He praised me and said that I deserved everything. He’s my idol so it meant a lot. To say someone like Romario, a national icon, praised someone like me was unbelievable.
Credits: FIFA (Published 2 Mar 2024)
