The roller hockey world is buzzing. Portugal’s national team is gearing up for the European Championship, and a key player, Rafa, feels good about their chances. The team is heading to Catalonia this week for the Golden Cat tournament. It’s a crucial warm-up event. Think of it as a final tune-up before the big show. The European Championship itself kicks off in Paredes from September 1st to 6th.
Rafa, a 33-year-old who plays both defense and midfield, spoke about the team’s goals. He made it clear they want to win every game. But he also said something important. “Our main goal is really to get ready for the European Championship,” he told the Portuguese Roller Skating Federation (FPP). It’s all about the bigger picture.
He believes in the power of practice. “This tournament is just another step in our preparation,” Rafa explained. He plays for FC Porto, a club known for its winning ways. He added, “Just like in training, we always try to win.” For Rafa, winning isn’t just a result; it’s a habit. “That winning mindset, you have to practice it too,” he said.
This competitive spirit is vital for the upcoming championship. “We want to work hard and win this tournament,” Rafa continued. It helps them build momentum. “It gives us that game-day experience,” he noted. Being sharp and ready is everything. The ultimate goal is clear: “We want to be European champions.”
Men’s Team Schedule
The men’s team faces a tough lineup at the Golden Cat.
- They play against the host team, Catalonia, on Thursday.
- Then, they take on Italy on Friday.
- Their final group match is against France on Saturday.
The tournament final, along with the third-place playoff, will happen on Sunday.
Women’s Team Schedule
The Portuguese women’s national team is also in action at the same event. They have their own set of challenging matches.
- They will compete against Catalonia on Thursday.
- On Friday, they’ll face Germany.
- Their final group stage game is against France on Saturday.
Their final match is set for the following day, Sunday. It’s a busy weekend for Portuguese roller hockey.