Isa Haas hails FIFA Series boost for teams, legacy for Mato Grosso

Isa Haas hails FIFA Series boost for teams, legacy for Mato Grosso

Center back Isa Haas highlighted the importance of holding the FIFA Series, a competition the Brazilian Women’s National Team will play starting next Saturday (11), both for the preparation of the participating teams and for the legacy it will leave for football in Mato Grosso. In a press conference this Thursday (9) at Cuiabá’s training center, the 25-year-old defender stressed that the tournament is a chance for teams and players to develop.

“This competition is very good for everyone. The National Team improves, women’s football improves, and we improve. Of course, everyone is fighting for their place; I’m always continuing to fight for mine, and everyone here knows very well how Arthur works. We have to make the most of every call-up, every moment we are here, because the range (of options) is wide,” she said.

Before the arrival of the Canarinha in the state capital, the CBF organized Joga, Mina! in partnership with CONMEBOL and the Mato Grosso Football Federation (FMF), with the aim of promoting the development of women’s football through seminars, talent identification with tryouts, and support for youth categories.

Isa Haas spoke at a press conference this ThursdayCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/CBF

With the matches being played at Arena Pantanal, the FIFA Series will allow future players to watch the stars of Brazilian women’s football up close.

“It’s a pleasure to be here, and it’s a privilege to keep promoting women’s football more and more in a country as large as Brazil. Some states are still seeking that growth, Mato Grosso is on that path, and we are very happy. We hope to leave a legacy. We don’t just want to come here, play our matches, and leave. We want to show what women’s football is capable of producing and leave a legacy so that this keeps growing more and more,” she explained.

In the competition, Brazil will face South Korea, Zambia, and Canada. In the defender’s view, coming up against different footballing styles will be important for the National Team’s preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

“Being with the National Team is always a challenge, and that is very important for us to grow as athletes. They are teams and playing styles that are completely different. We will probably face different obstacles in each match and different moments in each game. That will be very good for our preparation and for each player to leave her mark,” she said.

Isa Haas is back with the National Team after recovering from a nose injuryCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/CBF

Called up for the first time in October 2024, the player from Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, has made 16 appearances and scored one goal for the Canarinha. On this occasion, she was called up as an América of Mexico player, where she has been playing since the start of this year and had a difficult beginning due to a broken nose. She recovered from the injury and said she is enjoying the experience in Mexican football.

“Unfortunately, my start was a little complicated, and because of that it took me a while to get a run of games and feel good. Now I’m already playing, getting more minutes and confidence, and understanding how Mexican football works. Obviously, the team I’m on plays in a different way and keeps the ball more. It’s a league with a lot of physical strength, and that helps me a lot in my game. I’m really enjoying it,” said Isa Haas, who has also played for Internacional, Sevilla-ESP, and Cruzeiro.

With Isa Haas among coach Arthur Elias’s options for central defense, the Canarinha will make its FIFA Series debut next Saturday (11), against South Korea at 9:30 p.m. (local time) at Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.