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Ricardinho was afraid that this moment would never come. The moment when he would lift trophies that he always lacked: FIFA Futsal World Cup trophies. "I was in the national team for 18 years. I played a lot of matches, many tournaments, four World Championships. I was always in good athletic shape. Six months ago I was in a hospital room. It was the most difficult operation of my career. After it, I could barely kick a ball, I had to work harder than you can imagine to make it to the Portuguese national team and be able to help the team," emotionally spoke Ricardinho to FIFA.com. "Six months ago it seemed impossible. I thought about the end of my career, I knew it was my last chance to win the trophies I had dreamed about my whole life. I knew that I would always regret not winning the World Cup. I am very excited, very happy. I won three UEFA Futsal Champions League titles, 15 national championship trophies, the European Championship, but this, without a doubt, is the most special. This is the best moment of my career, the best day of my life. I spent my whole career waiting for this trophy."
The UEFA Futsal Champions League trophy was not the only prize Ricardinho took home from the Kaunas Arena. After the match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino also awarded him the Golden Ball – the best tournament player award. "It was the biggest surprise. Winning the Golden Ball – everything became even more perfect. But it was a team victory. Everyone played their part," said the player.
Perhaps the most prominent player in the decisive matches of Portugal was Pany – he scored both team goals in the final. He received the Silver Ball and Silver Boot – for second place in the best player category and second in goals scored. "I scored goals, but I received individual awards because of my team friends," modestly said Pany to FIFA.com. "It was a team effort. I never sought personal prizes, I always thought about the team."
"Portugal is the world champion – that is the most important. This is unbelievable," continued Pany. "People did not believe in us. They thought we won the European Championship by chance. I am convinced we did not. We also won this tournament because we deserved it, because we were the best team. I want to congratulate the whole team, because we won the tournament by playing together, not as individual players. We had a lot to experience. We fell behind in matches more than once, but this team believed in itself and had a big heart. We were rewarded for it. This is a wonderful day for Portugal."
FIFA.com information; Final tournament team rankings: 1. Portugal; 2. Argentina; 3. Brazil; 4. Kazakhstan; 5. Team of the Russian Football Union; 6. Spain; 7. Iran; 8. Morocco; 9. Venezuela; 10. Paraguay; 11. Czech Republic; 12. Thailand; 13. Vietnam; 14. Serbia; 15. Japan; 16. Uzbekistan; 17. Costa Rica; 18. Guatemala; 19. Egypt; 20. Lithuania; 21. Panama; 22. Angola; 23. Solomon Islands; 24. United States of America; Individual award winners: Golden Ball – Ricardinho (Portugal); Silver Ball – Pany (Portugal); Bronze Ball – Douglas Junior (Kazakhstan); Golden Boot – Ferra...
