Big Interview - Germán Portanova

Words: Agustin Fernandez

Wednesday 26 October 2022

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC proudly hosted Germán Portanova, current coach of the Argentinian national women’s football team, at Kiwitea Street on Sunday.

German was present for the draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and had a friendly conversation after the game with Navy Blues head coach Albert Riera and club record scorer and compatriot Emiliano Tade.

Germán caught up with Auckland City FC social media contributor Agustin Fernadez after the game.

INTERVIEW:

Agustin: Germán Portanova, coach of the Argentinian National women’s football team, welcome to Kiwitea Street! Auckland City FC’s 3-0 win over Napier City Rovers has just finished - what are your thoughts about the game?

Germán Portanova: Well, it was a pleasure to be able to watch the game. I’ve seen two opposite ideas on the pitch. Napier City Rovers were very defensive and waiting as a block, but Auckland City FC was keeping possession, moving correctly in all the areas of the pitch and that’s how we want to play with the Argentinian National Team. It was a pleasure to be here at Auckland City FC and receive the gift of s scarf and it’s a memory that I won’t forget.

Agustín: You had a chance to watch fellow Argentine Emiliano Tade play in person - he is the club's record goalscorer and a FIFA Club World Cup hero - how do you evaluate the player, the person?

Germán Portanova: Yes, I’ve just met Emiliano and I think he is a really nice person. Talking about the game, many times he’s the connection in between the midfielders and strikers and creates a lot of chances for the team. I think he had a good game today.

Agustin: What do you think about NZ so far? Are you happy with the rivals Argentina will meet in the group rounds at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023?

Germán Portanova: Well, Argentina always has difficulties with any group in women’s football. However, we are happy with the group and it gives us the chance to try on the pitch what we have been working on.

We got Sweden that’s one of the strongest teams, South Africa that has a lot of power and speed in their strikers, but we’ll try to dominate the match and we got Italy, a squad that’s growing and has
the chance to face European teams constantly. However, we’ll try to play our game and show our essence in football.

Agustin: Do you think that’s positive for Argentina playing the last game against Sweden because is the most difficult match?

Germán Portanova: Yes, but we are aware that Argentina is a country that is very passionate about football and places a lot of emphasis on the results. However, we will try to demonstrate what we have been working on as a team. We want to keep the possession of the ball, capitalise and learn about different situations.

Anyway, responding to your question, we are going to leave everything in the first two games. We want to win, try to make history and qualify to the next round. However, probably with Sweden it
will be different because they are more advanced in women’s football and it is possible they could subdue us.

Agustin: Did you have any preference between playing in New Zealand or Australia?

Germán Portanova: No, we came to New Zealand for the draw and this is my first time here. It surprised me as a country. It’s beautiful, the people are is lovely and it’s a peaceful place to be. Peace that maybe you don’t have when you are in Buenos Aires (smile) - you’ll understand me -. Kiwitea Street is also a lovely ground to watch football. After experiencing all that, I’m happy to play here and be based in Auckland during the tournament.

Agustin: How do you see the local teams from Australia and New Zealand performing during the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup?

Germán Portanova: Well, both Australia and New Zealand National Teams are in the top 10-15 of the world and I respect them a lot. Each of them with different features, but they are really good teams that have invested in women’s football and we want to copy that to be a top National Team in the future too.

Ends