Laia Kodina, born in Campllong, Girona in 2000, lives in the present moment and uses that focus as a shield against what feels foreign to the game. She consistently greets the press with a smile and takes genuine interest in the person behind the microphone or the camera, even though tricky questions may arise. As a journalism student, she answers with openness and directness, because she values clear, honest responses.
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Having established himself as the starting defender for the national team, he now enjoys a remarkable personal peak. A Catalan center back who has attracted SPORT’s attention hours before a high-stakes match in Sydney, he faces his first final among the elite depending on the coach’s decision.
How do you sleep these days as a World Cup finalist?
Joyful. After a long journey, the tangible reward makes everything feel even more thrilling. They are in a World Cup final, and that truth resonates deeply.
Are you nervous already, or saving it for game day?
If the path mirrors the quarterfinals or semifinals, nerves usually hit the night before or the day of the match, when the body finally wakes up. At the moment, he’s calm, focused, and in good spirits.
Would you have believed months ago that you’d be here as a rookie?
My first goal was to be in the final twenty-three. Being among the top five in the last three games seemed unimaginable then. Yet every moment has forced me to stay present, embracing my role and giving my best. Now I’m all in.
And the team here—will it attract a barrier-breaking performance?
I’ve said it from the start: there’s no ceiling for this team. We knew the round of 16 was just a step toward something bigger, and we carried that belief into the final.
How do you prepare for the final?
I keep the routine that works. Watching opponents helps, but the focus remains on personal performance and learning from past games, good and bad alike.
What did you learn from the semi-final against Australia and England?
England emerged as the clear favorite. It wasn’t a surprise; they were among the top contenders from the start.
How important is the mental edge in a final?
Extremely important. The squad includes players who’ve played finals before, and their experience helps everyone stay composed and prepared.
What do they call you?
Nothing special—just treated like any other player. A ninety-minute game is still the same grind we’ve trained for our whole careers.
It’s been a tough year with criticism about joining the national team. How did you move forward?
She isolates herself from the noise, respects differing opinions, and keeps her focus on playing football and performing her best. That commitment remains unwavering.
Do you think people speak without knowing the full truth?
Everyone has opinions and resources. The goal is clear: win a World Cup and push women’s football forward. We’re close to that milestone.
If you win, could it unlock more opportunities for the players?
The perception is shifting. The President is present, and the team is given every chance to grow. It’s a process that could gain momentum, especially for women’s football and its broader impact.
As a journalism student, what about the heavy press presence?
It’s a welcome challenge. There were intense moments with Jenni Hermoso at the press conference before the semi-finals. This is the exposure that has been desired for years, and now the goal is to advance together so the sport continues to grow.
Eleven Barça players are in the final. What does that signal?
It isn’t accidental that the club is thriving across Spain—league, Super Cup, and Europe. The contribution of these players weighs heavily, and their success is a point of pride.
The World Cup is a huge platform. The profile of the team rises, and even big clubs like Arsenal take notice. Have plans formed yet?
It’s best not to rush the future. The current focus remains on the World Cup final, where mental strength matters most. Tomorrow can take care of itself when the game ends.