If Angolans were excited for their Uzbekistan 2024 curtain-raiser, they’re electrified for their second game. Helber, their poster boy, is set to make his FIFA Futsal World Cup™ debut.
The 24-year-old, who illuminated April’s AFCON with his enthralling genius, was suspended for the 6-4 defeat by Afghanistan but will be at Marcos Antunes’s disposal for the showdown with Ukraine.
“The return of Helber is very important for Angola,” said Aderito, who bagged a brace on Sunday. “He’s an extremely talented player. He’s creative, he scores goals.
“It will give us a big lift. Helber always wants the ball, always wants to make something happen. Helber gives us a big chance of winning any game.”
Braulio was in agreement: “Being able to count on Helber again is fundamental to Angola. He’s a key player for us, he fills us with a lot of confidence. We know Helber can make the difference. We lost against Afghanistan and now we need to win. I believe we will win and reach the next round.”
Marcos Antunes discovered Helber when he went on an exhausting, nationwide talent search. The Angolan-at-heart Portuguese is delightful to have his talisman back.
“The return of Helber gives us an extra possibility,” said the Sable Antelopes’ coach. “Against Afghanistan we had 10 players and three goalkeepers. Now we will have 11 and three.
“Helber has his own qualities, like many Angolan players. They have ‘ginga’, courage and unpredictability.”
“I feel really good,” said Helber. “I’m calm, I’m confident. I’m thinking about the national team. I want to adapt as quickly as possible to help us give a response, to achieve our target in this game.
“I can’t say it will be an easy game. Ukraine are a strong national team, really well prepared, with a great coach and standard. They lost to Argentina so they will have the same target as us: to win the game.
“A game has three possible results: a win, a draw or a loss. Victory is the only thing that matters to us. Let’s go, let’s do what we didn’t manage to do in the first game.
“I count on the willingness and positive thoughts of all my team-mates. I believe we will give it our best and can win this game. We’re not coming for a defeat or a draw. We’re coming for victory.”
