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Arnoldas Knaubas experienced triumphs in both his professional career and personal life over the past week. On Monday evening, his Kazakh coach Paulo Ricardo Kaká called him a "superhero" after scoring a goal against Iran and achieving a historic victory in the World Cup, after which Kazakhstan rejoiced. Then, on Tuesday morning, his superhero wife Arina gave birth to their first child - 3000 kilometers away from Kaunas, in Almaty.
Arnoldas told FIFA.com about what it means to become a father, his celebrations, Kazakhstan's historic performance, and his desire to win bronze.
- What was it like becoming a father?
- It was an incredible feeling. I had never felt anything like it before. It's really hard to be away from your family. I wanted to be with my wife and hold my daughter, but that's my job. This World Cup has been my goal for years, my wife really supported me. We didn't know when I would be able to participate in the World Cup, when the baby would be born. The goal was to reach the semifinals, then - to reach the final. Now the goal is to win a medal.
- You already celebrated the birth of your daughter Olivia after scoring goals...
- (laughs - author's note) I had been thinking about doing that for a long time. I want to thank my wife very much. I understand that it's hard to be pregnant, not to mention giving birth, and I was away for two months, so it was even harder for Arina. So, after scoring a goal in the World Cup, I wanted to send her a little message. She liked it, so I'm happy, I love her.
- One of the goals - a powerful strike in the match against Iran. Did you always have such a strike or did you perfect it?
- When I played for the "Tulpar" team, there was a Brazilian named Talles Feitosa. He was an incredible player. I was fascinated by how he struck, how he did it in one touch. I asked him, he gave me a lot of advice, and I started working on it. Now it's my special ability. My strong strike helped me score a goal in the World Cup quarterfinals, equalize the score, and score a goal in a way that I can show my daughter when she grows up.
- Who was the best player for Kazakhstan in the tournament?
- Higuita. He was phenomenal. Not only was he the best player in Kazakhstan, but also in the entire tournament. He really deserves the Best Player award, but I understand that in such tournaments it usually goes to a player from the winning team.
- How was your performance received in Kazakhstan?
- Absolutely amazingly. People expected us to reach the knockout stages, but when we reached the semifinals, everything just exploded. I think we can consider ourselves the best sports team in Kazakhstan - no sports team has reached the top four in the world. We were bombarded with messages, everyone was in euphoria. We were even congratulated by the President of Kazakhstan. We really wanted to reach the final and I think we deserved to beat Portugal. But now we will do everything possible to win a medal.
- In order to do that, you have to beat the five-time champions. How do you feel knowing that you will be competing for a medal against powerful Brazil?
- It is an indescribable joy. Since I was a child, I dreamed of playing against Brazil in the World Cup. Brazilian players were my heroes. The best player - not just for me, but for the whole world - was Falcao. But I also liked Simi. I played in a similar style to him. Neto enchanted me at the World Cup in Thailand. I am very happy that I will have the opportunity to play against the national team of the country where so many wonderful players grew up.
- But times have changed. When I was a child, I dreamed of being on the field with those superstars. To be honest, I never imagined that Kazakhstan would be able to compete against Brazil. Now I dream of beating the Brazilians and winning third place, which is a real possibility. Kazakhstan's achievement is already a wonderful story, but victory against Brazil and winning a medal would be a fantastic achievement. It would be hard to believe for Kazakhs. I imagine how much emotion and euphoria it would bring to the people.
- How will you feel when you hold your daughter in your arms?
- (laughs - author's note) I know I'll cry. I think it will be the most emotional moment in my life. But before that, I want to do something else - score another goal in the tournament, against Brazil, and dedicate it to my daughter Olivia.
