María Belén Bogado, Argentina’s ambassador to New Zealand, said the women’s team competing at the World Cup would “make history” and that the FIFA event would “help us see everything that has been done for women’s football in Argentina”.
“We are happy and excited to have a women’s team in New Zealand. I’m a huge football fan, I played football in times when it wasn’t so normal and I know what that means. These players are already making history and they are proud,” the ambassador said.
“Argentina and New Zealand are connected through sport,” Bocato, in her third year at the helm of the Argentine embassy in Wellington, said. “Argentina and New Zealand are connected through sport. Although rugby is the king of sports in this country, they also want to connect and give women’s football a place. This world event will support them to see what has been done in women’s football in Argentina. The whole process goes hand in hand with a very strong women’s movement in our country, it’s a perfect combination and I’m happy to represent Argentina.” gives
Belon Bocato, official at the Argentine Embassy in Spain from 2006 to 2015 and head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2011, experienced first-hand like many soccer players who are part of the national team today.
“I hated playing soccer when I was a girl. I’m from Parana, Entre Ríos, there was hockey for women and rugby for men. I would run away and play in the street with my friends, adding the balls I could, and I always had a thorn. At the time I was assigned to Spain, women’s soccer had developed there and there were many amateur leagues, and I played for three years,” said Bocato, a midfielder. “That’s 5, one Mascherano closing the gap. They asked me to play in the Argentine style, wearing the jersey and doing everything possible to win, and we inspired it,” he said with a smile.
Bogado is married to doctor Mariela Gigi and they have 7-year-old twins Fermin and Rafaela. “They are football fans, so we try to watch all the games,” he said.
The twins are in third grade and are bilingual. “In my house we protect our language, they are written, which I highly recommend to all foreigners, in the remote service of the Ministry of Education, it is very good, so children who start living in another culture do not lose our traditions and especially the Spanish grammar system, which is very difficult,” said the ambassador.
After visiting the squad at their training center in Ellerslie, Bocato will travel to Eden Park in Auckland on Monday 24th for their opening match against Italy. He will not be able to attend the second match against South Africa in Dunedin due to other commitments, but will be available for the final match of the group stage against Sweden in Hamilton.
“Hamilton has a strong community, here in Auckland. Be excited, we hope to have the color and warmth of Argentina,” he warned at an event organized at the Latin venue “La Pachamama” to record a video in support of the Albiceleste team.
Bocato commented that he was at one of the FIFA dates Argentina played in New Zealand in February this year.
“It was interesting. The organizers asked me if I had brought buses with Argentina fans, the crowds, the shouting… People thought they were in Qatar. She was very excited to win the World Championship, it brought Argentina together, there is an incredible energy that women can enjoy. The women’s national team needs all our support,” she emphasized.
The Argentine ambassador said the players were “concentrated and focused”. Portanova technician is meticulous and protects them well. They have training in the morning and talk, support, videos in the afternoon. They form a group, which can be important.
“I think they are enjoying it, there are many experienced like the goalkeeper Vanina Correa, but many are just making their debut. I found the environment very nice, the people of AFA, the props (Angélica Romero), a beautiful and historical woman, who takes care of everyone like their mother. There is a very cool energy, and I wish them all the best”, Bocato concluded.
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