Futbol Takeover E4 Futbol & Periodismo: Live @ The Innovation Studio

And on your personal Facebook page, And on your personal Facebook page, right? like and like and Mm.

Hello, hello, welcome to the Football Hello, hello, welcome to the Football Takeover. My name is Maria Durán, I am the Takeover. My name is Maria Durán, I am the Takeover. My name is Maria Durán, I am the founder and host of this show, a founder and host of this show, a founder and host of this show, a show in which we focus on the show in which we focus on the show in which we focus on the intersection of business, culture, intersection of business, culture, intersection of business, culture, community and our favorite sport, community and our favorite sport, community and our favorite sport, soccer. So today, why are we soccer. So today, why are we soccer. So today, why are we speaking in Spanish? Because yes, speaking in Spanish? Because yes, speaking in Spanish? Because yes, because we are... ah, we are because we are... ah, we are because we are... ah, we are bilingual and we also want to have this bilingual and we also want to have this bilingual and we also want to have this opportunity to continue expanding opportunity to continue expanding opportunity to continue expanding our audience. So our audience. So our audience. So thank you very much for being with thank you very much for being with thank you very much for being with us today and for joining us. us today and for joining us. us today and for joining us. This is going to be the first show and there we'll be This is going to be the first show and there we'll be This is going to be the first show and there we'll be exchanging exchanging exchanging not through the not through the not through the future programs. Oh, yes, future programs. Oh, yes, future programs. Oh, yes, thank you so much for being here thank you so much for being here thank you so much for being here today. Before we talk to our today. Before we talk to our today. Before we talk to our guest, oh, as always we want to guest, oh, as always we want to guest, oh, as always we want to know a little bit about what's know a little bit about what's know a little bit about what's going on in the city, what's going on in the city, what's going on in the city, what's new. And this past Saturday there was a new. And this past Saturday there was a new. And this past Saturday there was a very important match here in the very important match here in the very important match here in the city, here in the city of Houston, city, here in the city of Houston, city, here in the city of Houston, between the Houston Dynamo and Club Deportivo between the Houston Dynamo and Club Deportivo between the Houston Dynamo and Club Deportivo Olimpia of Honduras. Oh, and our Olimpia of Honduras. Oh, and our Olimpia of Honduras. Oh, and our correspondent Valentina Reina was at correspondent Valentina Reina was at correspondent Valentina Reina was at the game and from there she presents the the game and from there she presents the the game and from there she presents the segment The Pulse. Go ahead segment The Pulse. Go ahead segment The Pulse. Go ahead with the video. [music]

Olympia Sports Club for International Olympia Sports Club for International Friendly. This match is kind of warm up Friendly. This match is kind of warm up Friendly. This match is kind of warm up for the club return to MLS play. I am for the club return to MLS play. I am for the club return to MLS play. I am Valentina Reina and come with me behind Valentina Reina and come with me behind Valentina Reina and come with me behind the show incredible match. [music] Here are the players warming up before Here are the players warming up before kickof and of course diesel getting the kickof and of course diesel getting the kickof and of course diesel getting the fans hyped. On the other side of the stadium were On the other side of the stadium were making their [music] way to their making their [music] way to their making their [music] way to their seats, bringing amazing energy before seats, bringing amazing energy before seats, bringing amazing energy before the match. [music] And here are some of my favorite moments And here are some of my favorite moments that I captured during the match.

Olympia Sports Club Olympia Sports Club After Houston dynamers andaches with After Houston dynamers andaches with After Houston dynamers andaches with [music] [music] [music] some players. Well, from what Valentina tells me, Well, from what Valentina tells me, that game was great and that game was great and that game was great and today there's going to be another today there's going to be another today there's going to be another important game here in the city. Ah, well, important game here in the city. Ah, well, important game here in the city. Ah, well, remember everyone that you can leave your remember everyone that you can leave your remember everyone that you can leave your comments and questions in the chat, and comments and questions in the chat, and comments and questions in the chat, and we see that we already have some we see that we already have some we see that we already have some people tuning in. Marvin, hello. people tuning in. Marvin, hello. people tuning in. Marvin, hello. Hello. Ah, yes, Hello. Ah, yes, Hello. Ah, yes, today I'm very happy to have today I'm very happy to have today I'm very happy to have our guest. Ah, I want to tell you our guest. Ah, I want to tell you our guest. Ah, I want to tell you a little bit about Elizabeth. Ah, a little bit about Elizabeth. Ah, a little bit about Elizabeth. Ah, she is an Ecuadorian communicator with she is an Ecuadorian communicator with she is an Ecuadorian communicator with a solid track record in media, a solid track record in media, a solid track record in media, strategic communication and strategic communication and strategic communication and sports journalism. He studied sports journalism. He studied sports journalism. He studied institutional communication in Argentina and has institutional communication in Argentina and has institutional communication in Argentina and has a master's degree in a master's degree in a master's degree in communication management with a double degree in communication management with a double degree in communication management with a double degree in Ecuador and Spain, with more than 10 years of Ecuador and Spain, with more than 10 years of Ecuador and Spain, with more than 10 years of experience in sports journalism. He has experience in sports journalism. He has experience in sports journalism. He has developed his career in Ecuador and developed his career in Ecuador and developed his career in Ecuador and also as a correspondent in Argentina, also as a correspondent in Argentina, also as a correspondent in Argentina, Peru and is currently here with Peru and is currently here with Peru and is currently here with us in the United States.

us in the United States. us in the United States. This professional is also a radio announcer, This professional is also a radio announcer, This professional is also a radio announcer, image consultant, content producer, and image consultant, content producer, and traditional and digital communication strategist, traditional and digital communication strategist, using sports as a using sports as a using sports as a powerful tool to connect powerful tool to connect powerful tool to connect stories, brands, and communities. So stories, brands, and communities. So stories, brands, and communities. So we have a very special guest, Eli we have a very special guest, Eli we have a very special guest, Eli Elizabeth, [laughs] Elizabeth, [laughs] Elizabeth, [laughs] welcome. Thank you so much for being welcome. Thank you so much for being welcome. Thank you so much for being here today. here today. here today. Thank you. For me, I'm making a mess Thank you. For me, I'm making a mess Thank you. For me, I'm making a mess as usual. [laughs] Excuse me. as usual. [laughs] Excuse me. as usual. [laughs] Excuse me. Thank you for inviting me, thank you for Thank you for inviting me, thank you for Thank you for inviting me, thank you for creating these spaces that are so important creating these spaces that are so important creating these spaces that are so important for the community. Thank you for that for the community. Thank you for that for the community. Thank you for that presentation. I also think that presentation. I also think that presentation. I also think that listening from the outside you listening from the outside you listening from the outside you realize, wow, the journey has been realize, wow, the journey has been realize, wow, the journey has been beautiful, it has been challenging and well beautiful, it has been challenging and well beautiful, it has been challenging and well yes, it's actually been more than 15 yes, it's actually been more than 15 yes, it's actually been more than 15 years doing sports journalism. I years doing sports journalism. I years doing sports journalism. I was saying, it's 10, not 11. And well, I was saying, it's 10, not 11. And well, I was saying, it's 10, not 11. And well, I tell you, doing the math, time tell you, doing the math, time tell you, doing the math, time goes by very quickly, so thank you for goes by very quickly, so thank you for goes by very quickly, so thank you for having me here. not anymore. Thank you so much having me here. not anymore. Thank you so much having me here. not anymore. Thank you so much for being here, and I must say, you've had a for being here, and I must say, you've had a for being here, and I must say, you've had a very busy few days because you very busy few days because you very busy few days because you came from Dallas this morning, so came from Dallas this morning, so came from Dallas this morning, so we'll talk a little more about we'll talk a little more about we'll talk a little more about that in a bit, because first I that in a bit, because first I that in a bit, because first I really want to start by going back a really want to start by going back a really want to start by going back a little bit to the truth:

little bit to the truth: little bit to the truth: you studied you studied you studied institutional communication in Argentina. institutional communication in Argentina. institutional communication in Argentina. and you completed the master's degree. So, oh and you completed the master's degree. So, oh and you completed the master's degree. So, oh no, how did those international experiences influence no, how did those international experiences influence no, how did those international experiences influence your your your communication style, and what you're doing communication style, and what you're doing communication style, and what you're doing now? now? now? Well, I always wanted to be a Well, I always wanted to be a Well, I always wanted to be a journalist, a communicator, when I was journalist, a communicator, when I was journalist, a communicator, when I was 7 years old, doing a kind of 7 years old, doing a kind of 7 years old, doing a kind of quick background. I was 7 years old and I was playing at quick background. I was 7 years old and I was playing at quick background. I was 7 years old and I was playing at doing interviews. Um, I would send doing interviews. Um, I would send doing interviews. Um, I would send my sister to the living room and I would be in the my sister to the living room and I would be in the my sister to the living room and I would be in the kitchen and someone would record us and I would say, kitchen and someone would record us and I would say, kitchen and someone would record us and I would say, "Let's go with our reporter" and I don't know, "Let's go with our reporter" and I don't know, "Let's go with our reporter" and I don't know, I would make things up, you know? So, I would make things up, you know? So, I would make things up, you know? So, God gave me the possibility of God gave me the possibility of God gave me the possibility of being able to communicate, to have this being able to communicate, to have this being able to communicate, to have this passion, because I think that to be a passion, because I think that to be a passion, because I think that to be a communicator you have to have an communicator you have to have an communicator you have to have an additional passion. additional passion. additional passion. And then, thanks to the And then, thanks to the And then, thanks to the support of my parents, I had the opportunity to go to support of my parents, I had the opportunity to go to support of my parents, I had the opportunity to go to Argentina and study at Argentina and study at Argentina and study at university. When you leave your university. When you leave your university. When you leave your comfort zone, your safe space, your comfort zone, your safe space, your comfort zone, your safe space, your home—and I left when I was 17—you learn home—and I left when I was 17—you learn home—and I left when I was 17—you learn that communication and power, the power that communication and power, the power that communication and power, the power to speak, will open many to speak, will open many to speak, will open many doors and give you that extra boost doors and give you that extra boost doors and give you that extra boost so you can continue growing and so you can continue growing and so you can continue growing and maturing much faster. Um, maturing much faster. Um, maturing much faster. Um, achieving things that maybe when you don't achieving things that maybe when you don't achieving things that maybe when you don't have that ability to have that ability to have that ability to converse and talk, well, you don't get them converse and talk, well, you don't get them converse and talk, well, you don't get them . And I think that's one of the . And I think that's one of the . And I think that's one of the important points that allowed me to go important points that allowed me to go important points that allowed me to go out and out and out and study abroad, to become international. Argentina is

study abroad, to become international. Argentina is study abroad, to become international. Argentina is a country where marketing and a country where marketing and a country where marketing and communication are pioneers within communication are pioneers within communication are pioneers within Latin America, and then soccer, Latin America, and then soccer, Latin America, and then soccer, right? And football, well, that goes without saying, right? right? And football, well, that goes without saying, right? right? And football, well, that goes without saying, right? Argentina is a country that is Argentina is a country that is Argentina is a country that is completely crazy about football, they are completely crazy about football, they are completely crazy about football, they are passionate, they have a fever passionate, they have a fever passionate, they have a fever for football. And then, I for football. And then, I for football. And then, I say that sports journalism say that sports journalism say that sports journalism found me on that path. I didn't set out to be a found me on that path. I didn't set out to be a found me on that path. I didn't set out to be a sports journalist. I loved sports journalist. I loved sports journalist. I loved the news, the programs, the the news, the programs, the the news, the programs, the magazine-type shows, right? Well, magazine-type shows, right? Well, magazine-type shows, right? Well, sports journalism found me, and that's how I sports journalism found me, and that's how I sports journalism found me, and that's how I took advantage of the passion that people took advantage of the passion that people took advantage of the passion that people transmit when narrating soccer, when transmit when narrating soccer, when transmit when narrating soccer, when commentating. It can be a very commentating. It can be a very commentating. It can be a very bad match, which is how I started in bad match, which is how I started in bad match, which is how I started in this, very, very boring, but the commentator, this, very, very boring, but the commentator, this, very, very boring, but the commentator, the one who is always narrating the game, I the one who is always narrating the game, I the one who is always narrating the game, I never lost the rhythm, right? And then the never lost the rhythm, right? And then the never lost the rhythm, right? And then the challenges within challenges within challenges within sports journalism made me definitely sports journalism made me definitely sports journalism made me definitely stay in this field. It's not an easy profession stay in this field. It's not an easy profession stay in this field. It's not an easy profession because you have to wait 2, 3, or 4 hours because you have to wait 2, 3, or 4 hours because you have to wait 2, 3, or 4 hours for an interview, or maybe they for an interview, or maybe they for an interview, or maybe they confirm it and then cancel it at the confirm it and then cancel it at the confirm it and then cancel it at the same time, or you have to find a same time, or you have to find a same time, or you have to find a strategy for how to do it. So strategy for how to do it. So strategy for how to do it. So I feel that this huge challenge united my I feel that this huge challenge united my I feel that this huge challenge united my passion for doing passion for doing passion for doing corporate communication because it's all about corporate communication because it's all about corporate communication because it's all about strategy strategy strategy and football is a strategy.

and football is a strategy. and football is a strategy. Sport has a lot of that, doesn't it? Sport has a lot of that, doesn't it? Sport has a lot of that, doesn't it? So, that's how it started, and to So, that's how it started, and to So, that's how it started, and to answer your question, growing up, going answer your question, growing up, going answer your question, growing up, going outside will always open outside will always open outside will always open doors for you, going out of your home, out of your doors for you, going out of your home, out of your doors for you, going out of your home, out of your nest. nest. nest. It's true. Yes, that It's true. Yes, that It's true. Yes, that 's not true. And there was a key moment, 's not true. And there was a key moment, 's not true. And there was a key moment, a moment that truly marked a moment that truly marked a moment that truly marked a before and after that, that, let's a before and after that, that, let's a before and after that, that, let's say, that beginning. say, that beginning. say, that beginning. Yes. Oh, well, there were many moments Yes. Oh, well, there were many moments Yes. Oh, well, there were many moments that changed my professional life. that changed my professional life. that changed my professional life. Well, first when I had the opportunity Well, first when I had the opportunity Well, first when I had the opportunity to sit next to great to sit next to great to sit next to great commentators on Fox Sports, I commentators on Fox Sports, I commentators on Fox Sports, I had that urge to go fast, fast, had that urge to go fast, fast, had that urge to go fast, fast, right? I told them, I want to right? I told them, I want to right? I told them, I want to work here, I was 20 years old, I can work here, I was 20 years old, I can work here, I was 20 years old, I can be here, I want to, I really be here, I want to, I really be here, I want to, I really want to have the opportunity and they told me, want to have the opportunity and they told me, want to have the opportunity and they told me, "No, wait." I didn't have the patience to "No, wait." I didn't have the patience to "No, wait." I didn't have the patience to wait; it was September 2011. I did wait; it was September 2011. I did wait; it was September 2011. I did n't have the patience, so I decided to return to n't have the patience, so I decided to return to n't have the patience, so I decided to return to my country in December. And I realized my country in December. And I realized my country in December. And I realized that December is the that December is the that December is the transition period in the media, and transition period in the media, and transition period in the media, and that was one of the things I said, that was one of the things I said, that was one of the things I said, "Okay, I've learned that if I had "Okay, I've learned that if I had "Okay, I've learned that if I had waited a little longer, I don't know waited a little longer, I don't know waited a little longer, I don't know where things would have led me."

where things would have led me." where things would have led me." But of course, many people told me they got But of course, many people told me they got But of course, many people told me they got internships at Fox, for internships at Fox, for internships at Fox, for example, right? One of the example, right? One of the example, right? One of the world's most well-known channels. So, world's most well-known channels. So, world's most well-known channels. So, I felt that was a I felt that was a I felt that was a life-changing moment for me, learning to be life-changing moment for me, learning to be life-changing moment for me, learning to be patient, tolerant, and to wait. patient, tolerant, and to wait. patient, tolerant, and to wait. Another of those many moments was having Another of those many moments was having Another of those many moments was having the opportunity, for example, to get the opportunity, for example, to get the opportunity, for example, to get accredited for the Copa América or, for the accredited for the Copa América or, for the accredited for the Copa América or, for the first time, to go to the World Cup in Qatar in first time, to go to the World Cup in Qatar in first time, to go to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. 2022. 2022. After finishing an agreement After finishing an agreement After finishing an agreement with a digital media outlet, I with a digital media outlet, I with a digital media outlet, I already had the ticket, and I decided to start my already had the ticket, and I decided to start my already had the ticket, and I decided to start my own project because it was either that or nothing. own project because it was either that or nothing. own project because it was either that or nothing. So I traveled to the World Cup with my own So I traveled to the World Cup with my own So I traveled to the World Cup with my own digital project, and I realized that you digital project, and I realized that you digital project, and I realized that you can do it, that many people can do it, that many people can do it, that many people aspire to be there someday. to aspire to be there someday. to aspire to be there someday. to some big network, or someday you can't do some big network, or someday you can't do some big network, or someday you can't do it by starting with your own it by starting with your own it by starting with your own initiatives and your own ideas, and that initiatives and your own ideas, and that initiatives and your own ideas, and that really changed my perspective, you really changed my perspective, you really changed my perspective, you know? No, and I saw that know? No, and I saw that know? No, and I saw that you also created spaces, you also created spaces, you also created spaces, right? Oh, and I think that's very right? Oh, and I think that's very right? Oh, and I think that's very important, especially when you're important, especially when you're important, especially when you're a woman in industries a woman in industries a woman in industries where that voice might not always exist where that voice might not always exist where that voice might not always exist . Mm.

. Mm. . Mm. So, what So, what other other influences were there in creating that, and influences were there in creating that, and influences were there in creating that, and what were some of the, I don't know, what were some of the, I don't know, what were some of the, I don't know, the fruits you've seen from launching yourself the fruits you've seen from launching yourself the fruits you've seen from launching yourself that that that way? way? way? Oh, look, when Oh, look, when Oh, look, when I was in Ecuador, I'm thinking I was in Ecuador, I'm thinking I was in Ecuador, I'm thinking and remembering maybe those years, but and remembering maybe those years, but and remembering maybe those years, but my my my father's passing really affected me. In 2013, he was my number one fan, father's passing really affected me. In 2013, he was my number one fan, father's passing really affected me. In 2013, he was my number one fan, but at the same time, he was also the one who but at the same time, he was also the one who financially supported me in many of my projects so I could keep financially supported me in many of my projects so I could keep growing, because the growing, because the growing, because the media doesn't always have the media doesn't always have the media doesn't always have the ability to cover 100% of ability to cover 100% of ability to cover 100% of the world of the world of the world of sports journalism. And that was my big push sports journalism. And that was my big push sports journalism. And that was my big push to be able to To continue. When he left, to be able to To continue. When he left, to be able to To continue. When he left, I thought, "Okay, what next?" I thought, "Okay, what next?" I thought, "Okay, what next?" No. No. No. Uh, that's when I proposed a program in Uh, that's when I proposed a program in Uh, that's when I proposed a program in Ecuador just for women. I Ecuador just for women. I Ecuador just for women. I wanted wanted wanted only female voices on the show because only female voices on the show because only female voices on the show because we're breaking a stereotype where you we're breaking a stereotype where you we're breaking a stereotype where you have to hire a have to hire a have to hire a pretty woman on the sports set to pretty woman on the sports set to pretty woman on the sports set to get attention because most of the get attention because most of the get attention because most of the viewers are men.

viewers are men. viewers are men. So, I wanted women to So, I wanted women to So, I wanted women to listen to us and understand our way of listen to us and understand our way of listen to us and understand our way of analyzing, giving our opinions, commenting, and analyzing, giving our opinions, commenting, and analyzing, giving our opinions, commenting, and debating. And actually, sometimes we did get into debating. And actually, sometimes we did get into debating. And actually, sometimes we did get into serious arguments because things got heated serious arguments because things got heated serious arguments because things got heated [laughs], you know? So it was like, [laughs], you know? So it was like, [laughs], you know? So it was like, "Okay, let's go to a break because things were getting "Okay, let's go to a break because things were getting "Okay, let's go to a break because things were getting ... women get ... women get ... women get very passionate too, right?" So that very passionate too, right?" So that very passionate too, right?" So that energy and that way of expressing opinions, that energy and that way of expressing opinions, that energy and that way of expressing opinions, that was a super important moment in my was a super important moment in my was a super important moment in my life. And then when I moved here to the life. And then when I moved here to the life. And then when I moved here to the United States, 8 years ago now, I became a United States, 8 years ago now, I became a United States, 8 years ago now, I became a mother and I no longer had cameras, lights or the mother and I no longer had cameras, lights or the mother and I no longer had cameras, lights or the television channel that supported me, and television channel that supported me, and television channel that supported me, and then I thought, who am I then I thought, who am I then I thought, who am I as a sports journalist? No, and so many as a sports journalist? No, and so many as a sports journalist? No, and so many years on television and radio. And years on television and radio. And years on television and radio. And when I realized that we when I realized that we when I realized that we women—speaking of women, women—speaking of women, women—speaking of women, I understand that men do too—but I understand that men do too—but I understand that men do too—but from our perspective, you begin a stage of from our perspective, you begin a stage of from our perspective, you begin a stage of motherhood or of being a wife, and then you motherhood or of being a wife, and then you motherhood or of being a wife, and then you start to wonder if I don't have cameras start to wonder if I don't have cameras start to wonder if I don't have cameras or a or a or a large media outlet, what can I do? That was the large media outlet, what can I do? That was the large media outlet, what can I do? That was the second moment when I realized I second moment when I realized I second moment when I realized I could create something more. I created my own could create something more. I created my own could create something more. I created my own digital space, and I realized that digital space, and I realized that digital space, and I realized that you can combine communication, sports, you can combine communication, sports, you can combine communication, sports, and talk about values ​​that are so important to and talk about values ​​that are so important to and talk about values ​​that are so important to society and the community. And then I got society and the community. And then I got society and the community. And then I got involved with involved with involved with entrepreneurship and business, and I love what you entrepreneurship and business, and I love what you entrepreneurship and business, and I love what you 're doing because it's very relevant 're doing because it's very relevant 're doing because it's very relevant . Business is about leadership, . Business is about leadership, . Business is about leadership, teamwork, resilience, and teamwork, resilience, and teamwork, resilience, and many other things that you can apply to the many other things that you can apply to the many other things that you can apply to the business world. That's when I realized business world. That's when I realized , wow, I think I'm seeing something , wow, I think I'm seeing something beyond just reporting on the field. Well,

beyond just reporting on the field. Well, beyond just reporting on the field. Well, I always say a phrase: sport I always say a phrase: sport I always say a phrase: sport always goes beyond the field, beyond the always goes beyond the field, beyond the always goes beyond the field, beyond the result, beyond the score result, beyond the score result, beyond the score you can see or the standings; there are you can see or the standings; there are you can see or the standings; there are always stories behind sport always stories behind sport always stories behind sport and you can leave something more behind, right? So, I and you can leave something more behind, right? So, I and you can leave something more behind, right? So, I was just seeing that one of the was just seeing that one of the was just seeing that one of the players from Spain, for example, who's players from Spain, for example, who's players from Spain, for example, who's already made it to the already made it to the already made it to the World Cup final, World Cup final, World Cup final, he's talking about having an autistic son, he's talking about having an autistic son, he's talking about having an autistic son, and you think, "Wow, we can get and you think, "Wow, we can get and you think, "Wow, we can get more out of this, right? Inspire other more out of this, right? Inspire other more out of this, right? Inspire other people." So, I've created some people." So, I've created some people." So, I've created some events, I've already done talks for events, I've already done talks for events, I've already done talks for women, I've done talks for children, and I women, I've done talks for children, and I women, I've done talks for children, and I think now I'm discovering that there think now I'm discovering that there think now I'm discovering that there can be many more things than just can be many more things than just can be many more things than just that. Well, and it was that. Well, and it was that. Well, and it was about a month or two ago that you also about a month or two ago that you also about a month or two ago that you also had an event with a had an event with a had an event with a player from Ecuador, which was a whole player from Ecuador, which was a whole player from Ecuador, which was a whole weekend full of football, and I really weekend full of football, and I really weekend full of football, and I really liked seeing how you were able to liked seeing how you were able to liked seeing how you were able to create, right?, that whole create, right?, that whole create, right?, that whole ecosystem that weekend, right?

ecosystem that weekend, right? ecosystem that weekend, right? To have something for the parents, To have something for the parents, To have something for the parents, well, for the community, and also for well, for the community, and also for well, for the community, and also for young people. young people. young people. Yes, I remember you were traveling and Yes, I remember you were traveling and Yes, I remember you were traveling and I said, "Come, please." Uh, I was very I said, "Come, please." Uh, I was very I said, "Come, please." Uh, I was very scared, I have to start there, scared, I have to start there, scared, I have to start there, "I was very scared to launch into doing "I was very scared to launch into doing "I was very scared to launch into doing something so big, to "For me, it's so big, something so big, to "For me, it's so big, something so big, to "For me, it's so big, for those who do events for 80,000 for those who do events for 80,000 for those who do events for 80,000 people, like, I don't know, a World Cup, that's people, like, I don't know, a World Cup, that's people, like, I don't know, a World Cup, that's nothing." nothing." nothing." But bringing in a soccer player was second, But bringing in a soccer player was second, But bringing in a soccer player was second, Alejandro Castillo, uh, former player for the Alejandro Castillo, uh, former player for the Alejandro Castillo, uh, former player for the Ecuadorian national team, he also played in Mexico for Ecuadorian national team, he also played in Mexico for Ecuadorian national team, he also played in Mexico for Pachuca. Well, a well- Pachuca. Well, a well- Pachuca. Well, a well- known person. known person. known person. He was going to come from Ecuador, and we had He was going to come from Ecuador, and we had He was going to come from Ecuador, and we had a luncheon on Saturday and a a luncheon on Saturday and a a luncheon on Saturday and a soccer camp on Sunday, right? The luncheon was a soccer camp on Sunday, right? The luncheon was a soccer camp on Sunday, right? The luncheon was a space where the parents could space where the parents could space where the parents could talk, the coaches could come. Uh, talk, the coaches could come. Uh, talk, the coaches could come. Uh, we had an interview about his we had an interview about his we had an interview about his fears, his beliefs, his achievements, and fears, his beliefs, his achievements, and fears, his beliefs, his achievements, and so on. Well, this whole space so on. Well, this whole space so on. Well, this whole space was really very exciting. was really very exciting. was really very exciting. The fear ended when he finally accepted, The fear ended when he finally accepted, The fear ended when he finally accepted, we came, and why, you're all going to ask we came, and why, you're all going to ask we came, and why, you're all going to ask ? Days because it involves a lot of ? Days because it involves a lot of ? Days because it involves a lot of planning, organization, a lot of planning, organization, a lot of planning, organization, a lot of financial organization, financial organization, financial organization, sponsors, well, many things.

sponsors, well, many things. sponsors, well, many things. So, we did it, and my husband and I, So, we did it, and my husband and I, So, we did it, and my husband and I, with our sports marketing company with our sports marketing company with our sports marketing company , which is where it , which is where it , which is where it really started, I think we have a really started, I think we have a really started, I think we have a real company. This [laughs] this is serious, real company. This [laughs] this is serious, real company. This [laughs] this is serious, God. Let's go. So, uh, yes, it I did it God. Let's go. So, uh, yes, it I did it God. Let's go. So, uh, yes, it I did it for the first time, and well, this year we want to, for the first time, and well, this year we want to, for the first time, and well, this year we want to, well, next year we want to do it again well, next year we want to do it again well, next year we want to do it again . The challenge is bigger, the . The challenge is bigger, the . The challenge is bigger, the guest, I think, is going to be bigger, guest, I think, is going to be bigger, guest, I think, is going to be bigger, uh, but well, I'll tell you about that uh, but well, I'll tell you about that uh, but well, I'll tell you about that in the future. [laughs] in the future. [laughs] in the future. [laughs] I love it, I love it. I love it, I love it. Right? And that's really beautiful because Right? And that's really beautiful because something I really like is all something I really like is all something I really like is all the work you do for the the work you do for the the work you do for the Ecuadorian community, because there is an Ecuadorian community, because there is an Ecuadorian community, because there is an Ecuadorian community here in Ecuadorian community here in Ecuadorian community here in Houston. Houston. Houston. And I think that's what I always say, there are And I think that's what I always say, there are And I think that's what I always say, there are many people who don't realize many people who don't realize many people who don't realize the beautiful diversity we the beautiful diversity we the beautiful diversity we have in this city, and to see have in this city, and to see have in this city, and to see how how how sports really sports really sports really impact the whole community, but it's also really impact the whole community, but it's also really impact the whole community, but it's also really beautiful to see when a community beautiful to see when a community beautiful to see when a community has something for them, right? Like has something for them, right? Like has something for them, right? Like bringing in a former player so bringing in a former player so bringing in a former player so that the new generations that the new generations that the new generations can get to know these players and can get to know these players and can get to know these players and learn from them and everything. I mean, it's something we learn from them and everything. I mean, it's something we learn from them and everything. I mean, it's something we need to do more of. We need more need to do more of. We need more need to do more of. We need more of this.

of this. of this. Yes, there are Yes, there are Yes, there are very beautiful stories behind them. I know, look, the very beautiful stories behind them. I know, look, the very beautiful stories behind them. I know, look, the kids They follow them as a figure, kids They follow them as a figure, kids They follow them as a figure, right? Um, now the whole thing right? Um, now the whole thing right? Um, now the whole thing about showcasing what you have, what about showcasing what you have, what about showcasing what you have, what you can achieve, is really selling, you can achieve, is really selling, you can achieve, is really selling, but behind that there's a lot of effort, but behind that there's a lot of effort, but behind that there's a lot of effort, a lot of work, there's sacrifice. Um, they a lot of work, there's sacrifice. Um, they a lot of work, there's sacrifice. Um, they leave things unsaid, for example, they don't talk about everything they leave things unsaid, for example, they don't talk about everything they leave things unsaid, for example, they don't talk about everything they miss when they're in training miss when they're in training miss when they're in training camp. Recently, an camp. Recently, an camp. Recently, an Ecuadorian soccer player, while he was in the Ecuadorian soccer player, while he was in the Ecuadorian soccer player, while he was in the middle of the World Cup, had his middle of the World Cup, had his middle of the World Cup, had his first child. They were in training camp for the first child. They were in training camp for the first child. They were in training camp for the World Cup and he couldn't be there. World Cup and he couldn't be there. World Cup and he couldn't be there. And behind that, that's what And behind that, that's what And behind that, that's what fascinates me, right? To learn, to delve a fascinates me, right? To learn, to delve a fascinates me, right? To learn, to delve a little deeper into those stories that end up little deeper into those stories that end up little deeper into those stories that end up being very motivating for being very motivating for being very motivating for those behind it all. So those behind it all. So those behind it all. So yes, I think we need it. Um, I yes, I think we need it. Um, I yes, I think we need it. Um, I want to thank you for these want to thank you for these want to thank you for these spaces being in Spanish because there are spaces being in Spanish because there are spaces being in Spanish because there are people who want to know more, people who want to know more, people who want to know more, they're hungry to be able to immerse themselves in they're hungry to be able to immerse themselves in they're hungry to be able to immerse themselves in what's happening in this city, and what's happening in this city, and what's happening in this city, and for my Ecuadorian comfort, I love my for my Ecuadorian comfort, I love my for my Ecuadorian comfort, I love my country, I carry my country's flag with country, I carry my country's flag with country, I carry my country's flag with great joy, and the more people who can great joy, and the more people who can great joy, and the more people who can find out, the better.

find out, the better. find out, the better. Well, and speaking of Ecuador, Well, and speaking of Ecuador, Well, and speaking of Ecuador, oh No, don't talk to me about Ecuador [laughs], oh No, don't talk to me about Ecuador [laughs], oh No, don't talk to me about Ecuador [laughs], and especially not about the World Cup, please. and especially not about the World Cup, please. and especially not about the World Cup, please. No, but one of the things I No, but one of the things I No, but one of the things I love is knowing that a female love is knowing that a female love is knowing that a female journalist, journalist, journalist, you know, is there to cover the you know, is there to cover the you know, is there to cover the Ecuadorian national team. What has that Ecuadorian national team. What has that Ecuadorian national team. What has that experience been like over the years? Because it's experience been like over the years? Because it's experience been like over the years? Because it's been several years now that you've been doing been several years now that you've been doing been several years now that you've been doing this coverage at a, well, world level, this coverage at a, well, world level, this coverage at a, well, world level, right? right? right? With the section and everything. Oh, and what has it With the section and everything. Oh, and what has it With the section and everything. Oh, and what has it been like this past summer? been like this past summer? been like this past summer? Oh, [laughs] no. Um, well, uh, I've always been Oh, [laughs] no. Um, well, uh, I've always been Oh, [laughs] no. Um, well, uh, I've always been able to cover the national team, I'm telling you, able to cover the national team, I'm telling you, able to cover the national team, I'm telling you, always since I started my career. I do always since I started my career. I do always since I started my career. I do n't say this with pride, but I never n't say this with pride, but I never n't say this with pride, but I never traveled with a team, and I realized that I traveled with a team, and I realized that I traveled with a team, and I realized that I was always with the national team. An was always with the national team. An was always with the national team. An honor, too. It's honor, too. It's honor, too. It's always been very exciting always been very exciting always been very exciting over the years, hasn't it? And while over the years, hasn't it? And while over the years, hasn't it? And while the players or the coaching staff are the players or the coaching staff are the players or the coaching staff are looking at you, and I'm speaking from a woman's point of view looking at you, and I'm speaking from a woman's point of view looking at you, and I'm speaking from a woman's point of view , uh, if you do your job well and , uh, if you do your job well and , uh, if you do your job well and position yourself correctly, position yourself correctly, position yourself correctly, from how you look to how you from how you look to how you from how you look to how you communicate, you start to earn a space communicate, you start to earn a space communicate, you start to earn a space of respect. Well, in them. You can of respect. Well, in them. You can of respect. Well, in them. You can criticize and give your opinion, criticize and give your opinion, criticize and give your opinion, but if you're in a space of but if you're in a space of but if you're in a space of respect, they'll respect you. And respect, they'll respect you. And respect, they'll respect you. And vice versa. So, that vice versa. So, that vice versa. So, that kind of relationship had been developing, right? But kind of relationship had been developing, right? But kind of relationship had been developing, right? But of course, generations change.

of course, generations change. of course, generations change. I left the country recently, and many didn't I left the country recently, and many didn't I left the country recently, and many didn't know me anymore, or they started asking, " know me anymore, or they started asking, " know me anymore, or they started asking, " Who is she?" And they asked each other Who is she?" And they asked each other Who is she?" And they asked each other , "Who is she? Who is she?" , "Who is she? Who is she?" , "Who is she? Who is she?" Well, I can tell you that I had a very Well, I can tell you that I had a very Well, I can tell you that I had a very good relationship before, right? good relationship before, right? good relationship before, right? Before, before coming to live Before, before coming to live Before, before coming to live here with this group of here with this group of here with this group of players, but this World Cup in players, but this World Cup in players, but this World Cup in 2026 was very different for me. Why? 2026 was very different for me. Why? 2026 was very different for me. Why? Because first I was at home, Because first I was at home, Because first I was at home, and I mean at home, because and I mean at home, because and I mean at home, because I live in Houston, and Houston was a I live in Houston, and Houston was a I live in Houston, and Houston was a World Cup host city. It was very difficult. It was very World Cup host city. It was very difficult. It was very World Cup host city. It was very difficult. It was very difficult. Why? Because I knew difficult. Why? Because I knew difficult. Why? Because I knew my son was at home, that it was my son was at home, that it was my son was at home, that it was time to make lunch, or [laughs] or whatever time to make lunch, or [laughs] or whatever time to make lunch, or [laughs] or whatever . Well, my husband is an angel, I . Well, my husband is an angel, I . Well, my husband is an angel, I can tell you. (Parenthetically) I owe part of can tell you. (Parenthetically) I owe part of can tell you. (Parenthetically) I owe part of this to him. I'm grateful to him, because he's this to him. I'm grateful to him, because he's this to him. I'm grateful to him, because he's supported my dreams. He met me, he supported my dreams. He met me, he supported my dreams. He met me, he was a football agent, we met was a football agent, we met was a football agent, we met in the industry, and he was like in the industry, and he was like in the industry, and he was like , "Okay, what do you have?" I was like, " , "Okay, what do you have?" I was like, " , "Okay, what do you have?" I was like, " Coverage." I'm going to Dallas tomorrow, so I'm Coverage." I'm going to Dallas tomorrow, so I'm Coverage." I'm going to Dallas tomorrow, so I'm coming back with a suitcase and I have to go to coming back with a suitcase and I have to go to coming back with a suitcase and I have to go to Atlanta and then I'm coming back and okay, go ahead." Atlanta and then I'm coming back and okay, go ahead." Atlanta and then I'm coming back and okay, go ahead." So, but even so, it's still there, So, but even so, it's still there, So, but even so, it's still there, right? So I was saying, "Oh my God, what right? So I was saying, "Oh my God, what right? So I was saying, "Oh my God, what now and I have to go back." And so that's why it's been now and I have to go back." And so that's why it's been now and I have to go back." And so that's why it's been much harder to much harder to much harder to concentrate 100% on doing the work concentrate 100% on doing the work concentrate 100% on doing the work that's required, coverage, videos, that's required, coverage, videos, that's required, coverage, videos, interviews, etc. But also, interviews, etc. But also, interviews, etc. But also, I realized that it can be done, it can be done I realized that it can be done, it can be done I realized that it can be done, it can be done .

. . And what has been a And what has been a And what has been a memorable moment, and it could be from this World Cup memorable moment, and it could be from this World Cup memorable moment, and it could be from this World Cup or from, you know, past occasions or from, you know, past occasions or from, you know, past occasions within that coverage of the within that coverage of the within that coverage of the national team? With the national team. Ah, national team? With the national team. Ah, national team? With the national team. Ah, I feel like, well, you're asking me a good I feel like, well, you're asking me a good I feel like, well, you're asking me a good question because I always get emotional. question because I always get emotional. question because I always get emotional. I think it's more, right now it's like I I think it's more, right now it's like I I think it's more, right now it's like I 'm remembering everything and I'm like, 'm remembering everything and I'm like, 'm remembering everything and I'm like, [suppressed scream] oh, no, I'm not going to cry [suppressed scream] oh, no, I'm not going to cry [suppressed scream] oh, no, I'm not going to cry [laughs] from the emotion. [laughs] from the emotion. [laughs] from the emotion. But I think it was when you have the But I think it was when you have the But I think it was when you have the opportunity to ask questions in opportunity to ask questions in opportunity to ask questions in press conferences. Uh, you have, I think press conferences. Uh, you have, I think press conferences. Uh, you have, I think that's a moment It's memorable because you're that's a moment It's memorable because you're that's a moment It's memorable because you're representing your country. representing your country. representing your country. You have to prepare well to ask You have to prepare well to ask You have to prepare well to ask a good question because the a good question because the a good question because the whole country is listening, and in a World Cup, the whole country is listening, and in a World Cup, the whole country is listening, and in a World Cup, the whole world, because your question is broadcast globally whole world, because your question is broadcast globally whole world, because your question is broadcast globally . I think that's one of . I think that's one of . I think that's one of the moments that has the moments that has the moments that has marked me the most. And then, on a marked me the most. And then, on a marked me the most. And then, on a personal level, I don't know, personal level, I don't know, personal level, I don't know, but I think all the effort but I think all the effort but I think all the effort behind it—I don't know how to describe it—from the behind it—I don't know how to describe it—from the behind it—I don't know how to describe it—from the moment you start planning, you get on moment you start planning, you get on moment you start planning, you get on a plane, I missed an a plane, I missed an a plane, I missed an opportunity to get accreditation. It opportunity to get accreditation. It opportunity to get accreditation. It took me almost two months to sort out took me almost two months to sort out took me almost two months to sort out my accreditation on my own to be able to join the my accreditation on my own to be able to join the my accreditation on my own to be able to join the national team. So I think all of that national team. So I think all of that national team. So I think all of that leaves a mark, right?

leaves a mark, right? leaves a mark, right? And then, you know what I really like? And then, you know what I really like? And then, you know what I really like? That the athletes, in this case, That the athletes, in this case, That the athletes, in this case, the soccer players, recognize the work the soccer players, recognize the work the soccer players, recognize the work you do. you do. you do. I think that's very, very memorable for I think that's very, very memorable for I think that's very, very memorable for you, and you say, "Wow, it's worth it." you, and you say, "Wow, it's worth it." you, and you say, "Wow, it's worth it." The players say to you, "Elisabeth, The players say to you, "Elisabeth, The players say to you, "Elisabeth, how are you?" They already know you by your how are you?" They already know you by your how are you?" They already know you by your name. I just ran into Antonio name. I just ran into Antonio name. I just ran into Antonio Valencia, didn't I? And he sent greetings to Valencia, didn't I? And he sent greetings to Valencia, didn't I? And he sent greetings to my family because they know him and everything. my family because they know him and everything. my family because they know him and everything. I think that's important, and then from I think that's important, and then from I think that's important, and then from the fans' perspective, I can tell you that it's the fans' perspective, I can tell you that it's the fans' perspective, I can tell you that it's very exciting when someone very exciting when someone very exciting when someone recognizes you and especially when they recognizes you and especially when they recognizes you and especially when they say, "I like the work you're say, "I like the work you're say, "I like the work you're doing," doing," doing," and you think, "Wow." It is very, very exciting and you think, "Wow." It is very, very exciting and you think, "Wow." It is very, very exciting and very beautiful. I think those are the and very beautiful. I think those are the and very beautiful. I think those are the most important points in general most important points in general most important points in general that have marked me while being with the that have marked me while being with the that have marked me while being with the national team. national team. national team. Wow. Wow. Well, you were at Wow. Wow. Well, you were at Wow. Wow. Well, you were at the World Cup in Qatar and now here, the World Cup in Qatar and now here, the World Cup in Qatar and now here, what have been the biggest differences what have been the biggest differences in covering or being present at these in covering or being present at these two World Cups?

two World Cups? two World Cups? They are completely different. Hey, I'm They are completely different. Hey, I'm They are completely different. Hey, I'm telling you, whoever didn't go to Qatar is going to telling you, whoever didn't go to Qatar is going to telling you, whoever didn't go to Qatar is going to regret it. For the rest of their [laughs] lives regret it. For the rest of their [laughs] lives regret it. For the rest of their [laughs] lives they would say, "Qatar is a super cool country." And they would say, "Qatar is a super cool country." And they would say, "Qatar is a super cool country." And yes, traveling was expensive depending on where you traveled yes, traveling was expensive depending on where you traveled yes, traveling was expensive depending on where you traveled . But I can tell you that everything . But I can tell you that everything . But I can tell you that everything was there, I mean, there were was there, I mean, there were was there, I mean, there were people who told me that they had the people who told me that they had the people who told me that they had the opportunity to see up to three games opportunity to see up to three games opportunity to see up to three games in a single day. in a single day. in a single day. Wow. Wow. Wow. So, that was epic, because here in the So, that was epic, because here in the So, that was epic, because here in the United States we started the difference, you ca United States we started the difference, you ca United States we started the difference, you ca n't do that, n't do that, n't do that, huh? due to the distances between cities. huh? due to the distances between cities. huh? due to the distances between cities. In Qatar, everything was concentrated within Doja. In Qatar, everything was concentrated within Doja. In Qatar, everything was concentrated within Doja. There was a subway, an There was a subway, an There was a subway, an underground transport that you would get on and in 20 underground transport that you would get on and in 20 underground transport that you would get on and in 20 minutes you would be in another stadium, and the minutes you would be in another stadium, and the minutes you would be in another stadium, and the furthest stadium from one to the other was, uh, furthest stadium from one to the other was, uh, furthest stadium from one to the other was, uh, 45 minutes away. I wanted to remember the name, did 45 minutes away. I wanted to remember the name, did 45 minutes away. I wanted to remember the name, did n't I? Nothing. I wanted to remember one in n't I? Nothing. I wanted to remember one in n't I? Nothing. I wanted to remember one in Lusail. Lusail was very far away, back Lusail. Lusail was very far away, back Lusail. Lusail was very far away, back then it was 45 minutes. It's then it was 45 minutes. It's then it was 45 minutes. It's absolutely nothing. And for us as absolutely nothing. And for us as absolutely nothing. And for us as journalists, this same circuit also journalists, this same circuit also journalists, this same circuit also included the International included the International included the International Press Center. Then you'd leave a stadium, Press Center. Then you'd leave a stadium, Press Center. Then you'd leave a stadium, walk a lot, not like 10 minutes, 15, walk a lot, not like 10 minutes, 15, walk a lot, not like 10 minutes, 15, let's say that's a lot. And then you'd get on let's say that's a lot. And then you'd get on let's say that's a lot. And then you'd get on the subway and go down to work.

the subway and go down to work. the subway and go down to work. For those who don't know, the For those who don't know, the For those who don't know, the International Press Center is the International Press Center is the International Press Center is the most important space for most important space for most important space for accredited journalists to be able to work. You have accredited journalists to be able to work. You have accredited journalists to be able to work. You have everything. It is, I say, one of the everything. It is, I say, one of the everything. It is, I say, one of the most beautiful spaces of a World Cup because there are most beautiful spaces of a World Cup because there are most beautiful spaces of a World Cup because there are many places to work, but many places to work, but many places to work, but that is one of the biggest differences that is one of the biggest differences that is one of the biggest differences I noticed. Uh, it was completely I noticed. Uh, it was completely I noticed. Uh, it was completely exhausting here. I would travel, for example, to exhausting here. I would travel, for example, to exhausting here. I would travel, for example, to Kansas. I left two days before the Kansas. I left two days before the Kansas. I left two days before the game, worked, covered the game, and the game, worked, covered the game, and the game, worked, covered the game, and the next day at 4 a.m. I next day at 4 a.m. I next day at 4 a.m. I was returning to Houston was returning to Houston was returning to Houston because I couldn't stay until the because I couldn't stay until the because I couldn't stay until the following day. Well, that's one of the following day. Well, that's one of the following day. Well, that's one of the things. Also, in Qatar there was no things. Also, in Qatar there was no things. Also, in Qatar there was no alcohol, it was prohibited by the alcohol, it was prohibited by the alcohol, it was prohibited by the country, it was not allowed. country, it was not allowed. Well, I heard some people were saying you could find it, but I didn't see it, I didn't see it, let's just Well, I heard some people were saying you could find it, but I didn't see it, I didn't see it, let's just say that, but you couldn't say that, but you couldn't say that, but you couldn't legally have alcohol on the street. Here there legally have alcohol on the street. Here there legally have alcohol on the street. Here there is a big difference is a big difference is a big difference and I realized it, yes, I definitely think that makes a big difference in and I realized it, yes, I definitely think that makes a big difference in and I realized it, yes, I definitely think that makes a big difference in how people how people how people celebrate and how they enjoy themselves. [snort] celebrate and how they enjoy themselves. [snort] celebrate and how they enjoy themselves. [snort] Uh, I think that's one of the big Uh, I think that's one of the big Uh, I think that's one of the big differences that I saw, because there differences that I saw, because there differences that I saw, because there were Mexicans and Argentinians there. I love were Mexicans and Argentinians there. I love were Mexicans and Argentinians there. I love Mexican culture, the way they celebrate. I'm Mexican culture, the way they celebrate. I'm Mexican culture, the way they celebrate. I'm telling you, it's incredible, isn't it? It's a party, and telling you, it's incredible, isn't it? It's a party, and telling you, it's incredible, isn't it? It's a party, and that's the biggest difference you that's the biggest difference you that's the biggest difference you can see. Uh, now Europeans are can see. Uh, now Europeans are can see. Uh, now Europeans are more like football fanatics [laughs] and we more like football fanatics [laughs] and we more like football fanatics [laughs] and we Latinos are all about pure partying. So, that's why it was Latinos are all about pure partying. So, that's why it was Latinos are all about pure partying. So, that's why it was seen there and here. But I think seen there and here. But I think seen there and here. But I think the most difficult thing was the issue of the most difficult thing was the issue of the most difficult thing was the issue of distances and times, right? Because from distances and times, right? Because from distances and times, right? Because from Qatar to America it was 9 hours.

Qatar to America it was 9 hours. Qatar to America it was 9 hours. So we worked, I won't tell you, So we worked, I won't tell you, So we worked, I won't tell you, we'd finish working until about 5 in the morning we'd finish working until about 5 in the morning we'd finish working until about 5 in the morning . It was very, very nice, very . It was very, very nice, very . It was very, very nice, very challenging. Wow. No, I really, after challenging. Wow. No, I really, after challenging. Wow. No, I really, after hearing the stories, seeing the photos, hearing the stories, seeing the photos, hearing the stories, seeing the photos, the videos of Qatar, it really made me the videos of Qatar, it really made me the videos of Qatar, it really made me want to go, to have that want to go, to have that want to go, to have that experience experience experience because, I mean, everything looked like you because, I mean, everything looked like you because, I mean, everything looked like you said, very festive, very said, very festive, very said, very festive, very much so. The thing is, we much so. The thing is, we much so. The thing is, we were all together. Clear. I arrived were all together. Clear. I arrived were all together. Clear. I arrived 5 days before the World Cup, so everything 5 days before the World Cup, so everything 5 days before the World Cup, so everything was silent, completely silent. Nothing was happening. was silent, completely silent. Nothing was happening. was silent, completely silent. Nothing was happening. You'd see a little color here and there, You'd see a little color here and there, You'd see a little color here and there, but there wasn't much. Sure, it began. What's but there wasn't much. Sure, it began. What's but there wasn't much. Sure, it began. What's happening? I realized something. happening? I realized something. happening? I realized something. When you arrive at the airport, there are When you arrive at the airport, there are When you arrive at the airport, there are all these security people in all these security people in all these security people in their suits, and to us it's like, their suits, and to us it's like, their suits, and to us it's like, "Wow." And you'd grab your phone and go like that "Wow." And you'd grab your phone and go like that "Wow." And you'd grab your phone and go like that , right? And he said, "No, no, no, no , right? And he said, "No, no, no, no , right? And he said, "No, no, no, no photos, you can't record, you can't." photos, you can't record, you can't." photos, you can't record, you can't." So, okay, sorry, but it was So, okay, sorry, but it was So, okay, sorry, but it was our curiosity. our curiosity. our curiosity. I arrived at the World Cup and, as you can imagine I arrived at the World Cup and, as you can imagine I arrived at the World Cup and, as you can imagine , everyone was on their phones , everyone was on their phones , everyone was on their phones and they would look at a person wearing their and they would look at a person wearing their and they would look at a person wearing their traditional dress, or very white or black for the traditional dress, or very white or black for the traditional dress, or very white or black for the women, and everyone was like, "Oh, let me women, and everyone was like, "Oh, let me women, and everyone was like, "Oh, let me take your picture."

take your picture." take your picture." And they lost control of that. And they lost control of that. And they lost control of that. They said something like, "We understand that this is They said something like, "We understand that this is They said something like, "We understand that this is how it is." There was a radical change. Uh, in how it is." There was a radical change. Uh, in how it is." There was a radical change. Uh, in that part they initially tried to that part they initially tried to that part they initially tried to control the "don't take pictures or control the "don't take pictures or control the "don't take pictures or ideas" thing, but later you couldn't, that ideas" thing, but later you couldn't, that ideas" thing, but later you couldn't, that was normal. And that's where the digital leap happened was normal. And that's where the digital leap happened was normal. And that's where the digital leap happened at the doorstep of sports journalism. at the doorstep of sports journalism. at the doorstep of sports journalism. That's where the journalist who goes off That's where the journalist who goes off That's where the journalist who goes off alone with his tripod, his camera, his alone with his tripod, his camera, his alone with his tripod, his camera, his microphone explodes. That's where the microphone explodes. That's where the microphone explodes. That's where the big leap happens, and now they had to put big leap happens, and now they had to put big leap happens, and now they had to put rules in place, right? For this World Cup, rules in place, right? For this World Cup, rules in place, right? For this World Cup, right? That's true, because I think one of right? That's true, because I think one of right? That's true, because I think one of the things, I watched that World Cup from home, the things, I watched that World Cup from home, the things, I watched that World Cup from home, but definitely what I saw most but definitely what I saw most but definitely what I saw most were the content creators, were the content creators, were the content creators, because they were the ones who because they were the ones who because they were the ones who looked at everything from a very looked at everything from a very looked at everything from a very different angle, right? And I think many of different angle, right? And I think many of different angle, right? And I think many of the stories they covered the stories they covered the stories they covered spoke to what we're spoke to what we're spoke to what we're trying to do here, right? trying to do here, right? They talked a lot about the culture, the community, the business, I mean, they talked a lot about They talked a lot about the culture, the community, the business, I mean, they talked a lot about some of the some of the some of the things you could buy and see, and they things you could buy and see, and they things you could buy and see, and they all all all painted a very nice picture, painted a very nice picture, painted a very nice picture, right? What was the atmosphere like? It right? What was the atmosphere like? It right? What was the atmosphere like? It was a different world. Well, basically was a different world. Well, basically was a different world. Well, basically for us Americans, going there is a whole different for us Americans, going there is a whole different for us Americans, going there is a whole different world. And everyone was world. And everyone was world. And everyone was curious to know what that very strange country was like curious to know what that very strange country was like curious to know what that very strange country was like , weren't they? So new to us , weren't they? So new to us , weren't they? So new to us that we don't always have the opportunity to travel that we don't always have the opportunity to travel that we don't always have the opportunity to travel .

. . And they did it well. But of course, that And they did it well. But of course, that And they did it well. But of course, that also somehow affected the also somehow affected the also somehow affected the brands that pay millions of dollars to brands that pay millions of dollars to brands that pay millions of dollars to be at this exclusive event, and of course, be at this exclusive event, and of course, be at this exclusive event, and of course, everyone was there. So, in this everyone was there. So, in this everyone was there. So, in this World Cup there were World Cup there were World Cup there were super strong regulations for those who super strong regulations for those who super strong regulations for those who create content. You couldn't enter the stadiums create content. You couldn't enter the stadiums create content. You couldn't enter the stadiums with cameras or with cameras or with cameras or microphones, they would check you a lot and microphones, they would check you a lot and microphones, they would check you a lot and confiscate them. If you had a confiscate them. If you had a confiscate them. If you had a moderately large camera and you were, I mean, a fan, you moderately large camera and you were, I mean, a fan, you moderately large camera and you were, I mean, a fan, you couldn't enter the stadium, you couldn't couldn't enter the stadium, you couldn't couldn't enter the stadium, you couldn't take pictures with the field in the background take pictures with the field in the background take pictures with the field in the background when it was live. We when it was live. We when it was live. We journalists had to upload the journalists had to upload the journalists had to upload the videos in this 2026 World Cup, one hour videos in this 2026 World Cup, one hour videos in this 2026 World Cup, one hour after the match or two hours after the match or two hours after the match or two hours later in Qatar it was all live. You were later in Qatar it was all live. You were later in Qatar it was all live. You were here, here, here, but I think that's the but I think that's the but I think that's the beautiful thing. It looked really nice, beautiful thing. It looked really nice, beautiful thing. It looked really nice, already. That's already. That's already. That's not true. At the end of the day, not true. At the end of the day, not true. At the end of the day, well, one wants to live that experience well, one wants to live that experience well, one wants to live that experience and the best way to do it is through social and the best way to do it is through social and the best way to do it is through social media, seeing what media, seeing what media, seeing what another person is experiencing at that moment. So not anymore another person is experiencing at that moment. So not anymore another person is experiencing at that moment. So not anymore . Okay, so now . Okay, so now . Okay, so now that we're that we're that we're nearing the end of this nearing the end of this nearing the end of this World Cup, World Cup, World Cup, what would be, I don't know, the two or what would be, I don't know, the two or what would be, I don't know, the two or three lessons or three lessons or three lessons or educational moments that you had throughout educational moments that you had throughout educational moments that you had throughout this experience?

this experience? this experience? The lessons I learned are The lessons I learned are The lessons I learned are definitely that when you set out to do definitely that when you set out to do definitely that when you set out to do something in the United States, you have to something in the United States, you have to something in the United States, you have to do it with time. Point one, [laughs] do it with time. Point one, [laughs] do it with time. Point one, [laughs] yes, with time, uh, to get, I don't yes, with time, uh, to get, I don't yes, with time, uh, to get, I don't know, in my case, sponsors, hotels, know, in my case, sponsors, hotels, know, in my case, sponsors, hotels, space, uh, but at the same time I space, uh, but at the same time I space, uh, but at the same time I also think it's important to take the also think it's important to take the also think it's important to take the step. You always hear, I think this is a step. You always hear, I think this is a step. You always hear, I think this is a cliché in the media, isn't it? cliché in the media, isn't it? cliché in the media, isn't it? Start with what you have, but start. Start with what you have, but start. Start with what you have, but start. And it's real. During this World Cup, I And it's real. During this World Cup, I And it's real. During this World Cup, I realized that it's real; it's about taking the step, and realized that it's real; it's about taking the step, and realized that it's real; it's about taking the step, and maybe people are waiting to maybe people are waiting to maybe people are waiting to support you, right? Well, I think I'll take support you, right? Well, I think I'll take support you, right? Well, I think I'll take that lesson to heart. I had the pleasure of that lesson to heart. I had the pleasure of that lesson to heart. I had the pleasure of sharing with a friend, she has a sharing with a friend, she has a sharing with a friend, she has a company and she said to me, "I like what company and she said to me, "I like what company and she said to me, "I like what you do, what do you need?" you do, what do you need?" you do, what do you need?" And that's when you freeze up and say, And that's when you freeze up and say, And that's when you freeze up and say, "Uh, I don't know what I need, I don't know what "Uh, I don't know what I need, I don't know what "Uh, I don't know what I need, I don't know what [laughs] [laughs] [laughs] But that's the lesson I take away. It's about talking, But that's the lesson I take away. It's about talking, But that's the lesson I take away. It's about talking, talking." That's precisely the issue of talking." That's precisely the issue of talking." That's precisely the issue of communication, isn't it? It's about speaking and communication, isn't it? It's about speaking and communication, isn't it? It's about speaking and expressing what you need, and don't be expressing what you need, and don't be expressing what you need, and don't be afraid. I think that's what this afraid. I think that's what this afraid. I think that's what this World Cup taught me. Oh, he also left me with many more World Cup taught me. Oh, he also left me with many more World Cup taught me. Oh, he also left me with many more stories about athletes.

stories about athletes. stories about athletes. Men, because this is the Men, because this is the Men, because this is the men's World Cup, men talk more about what they men's World Cup, men talk more about what they men's World Cup, men talk more about what they feel, their fears, and their feel, their fears, and their feel, their fears, and their experiences. That's what this World Cup taught me. experiences. That's what this World Cup taught me. experiences. That's what this World Cup taught me. Well, like in this interview I'm Well, like in this interview I'm Well, like in this interview I'm telling you about, I didn't used to see, for example, telling you about, I didn't used to see, for example, telling you about, I didn't used to see, for example, a footballer talking about his son with a footballer talking about his son with a footballer talking about his son with autism. They talked about his autism. They talked about his autism. They talked about his football achievements, and that was it. football achievements, and that was it. football achievements, and that was it. Uh, a coach, I don't know which coach, I do Uh, a coach, I don't know which coach, I do Uh, a coach, I don't know which coach, I do n't remember now, came out to a n't remember now, came out to a n't remember now, came out to a press conference with his son, who also had a press conference with his son, who also had a press conference with his son, who also had a problem, uh, problem, uh, problem, uh, something, and he said, "He is the most something, and he said, "He is the most something, and he said, "He is the most important thing for me." So, I think important thing for me." So, I think important thing for me." So, I think those things are something that has those things are something that has those things are something that has marked me in this World Cup. And why? marked me in this World Cup. And why? marked me in this World Cup. And why? Because I often had that Because I often had that Because I often had that fear of wanting to show this fear of wanting to show this fear of wanting to show this sensitive side, which is actually the nature sensitive side, which is actually the nature sensitive side, which is actually the nature of us women, of us women, of us women, but this world makes us strong and but this world makes us strong and but this world makes us strong and tough, and we have to show it, right? That's tough, and we have to show it, right? That's tough, and we have to show it, right? That's us. us. us. Then I realized, well, it wasn't just Then I realized, well, it wasn't just Then I realized, well, it wasn't just now, I don't remember that Simón Beses now, I don't remember that Simón Beses now, I don't remember that Simón Beses was the one who said, "Enough, I can't, goodbye, was the one who said, "Enough, I can't, goodbye, was the one who said, "Enough, I can't, goodbye, I'm leaving here because I have a I'm leaving here because I have a I'm leaving here because I have a very serious problem."

very serious problem." very serious problem." So, this World Cup has left me with that So, this World Cup has left me with that So, this World Cup has left me with that knowledge: that there are really people who knowledge: that there are really people who knowledge: that there are really people who are looking for that aspect within the are looking for that aspect within the are looking for that aspect within the world of sports, and there are world of sports, and there are world of sports, and there are countless stories to countless stories to countless stories to make us more aware. That's what make us more aware. That's what make us more aware. That's what this World Cup has given me, and well, this World Cup has given me, and well, this World Cup has given me, and well, getting to know other cities. Well, we spent getting to know other cities. Well, we spent getting to know other cities. Well, we spent another 5 hours telling you about everything I had to another 5 hours telling you about everything I had to another 5 hours telling you about everything I had to go through to get go through to get go through to get credentials, accommodation credentials, accommodation credentials, accommodation and all that, but it's been really and all that, but it's been really and all that, but it's been really exciting. So that's what I've learned exciting. So that's what I've learned exciting. So that's what I've learned from this experience: to be from this experience: to be from this experience: to be able to continue working and now have more able to continue working and now have more able to continue working and now have more projects for the community, projects for the community, projects for the community, right? I love it. And now that we're right? I love it. And now that we're right? I love it. And now that we're all preparing for the all preparing for the all preparing for the World Cup, the Women's World Cup next World Cup, the Women's World Cup next World Cup, the Women's World Cup next year, I don't know, what are your plans to year, I don't know, what are your plans to year, I don't know, what are your plans to do any kind of coverage, or I do any kind of coverage, or I do any kind of coverage, or I also think that more than anything it's about also think that more than anything it's about also think that more than anything it's about having a greater focus on having a greater focus on having a greater focus on women's sports. Yes, in fact, look, I women's sports. Yes, in fact, look, I women's sports. Yes, in fact, look, I have to confess I haven't been have to confess I haven't been have to confess I haven't been 100% involved in 100% involved in 100% involved in women's football, but I'm also women's football, but I'm also women's football, but I'm also curious to know how curious to know how curious to know how that ecosystem works, how that ecosystem works, how that ecosystem works, how people respond. I know that here in the United States it's people respond. I know that here in the United States it's people respond. I know that here in the United States it's different; there's more attraction to different; there's more attraction to different; there's more attraction to women's soccer because women's soccer because women's soccer because the US national team has done many more things the US national team has done many more things the US national team has done many more things . In fact, I'm rooting for the United . In fact, I'm rooting for the United . In fact, I'm rooting for the United States team. Let's see what happens.

States team. Let's see what happens. States team. Let's see what happens. [laughs] But hey, if I want to, what am [laughs] But hey, if I want to, what am [laughs] But hey, if I want to, what am I doing now with my content I doing now with my content I doing now with my content from my journalistic side? It's about from my journalistic side? It's about from my journalistic side? It's about going to the more emotional and human side. going to the more emotional and human side. going to the more emotional and human side. I'm going to tell you about the World Cup from my I'm going to tell you about the World Cup from my I'm going to tell you about the World Cup from my perspective, right? Like a blog about perspective, right? Like a blog about perspective, right? Like a blog about how we see it and putting together how we see it and putting together how we see it and putting together journalistic data and also [snort] this journalistic data and also [snort] this journalistic data and also [snort] this story of what it's like, it feels more or story of what it's like, it feels more or story of what it's like, it feels more or less like going to Qatar. That's how I feel about the less like going to Qatar. That's how I feel about the less like going to Qatar. That's how I feel about the women's World Cup. I'm going to find things out, women's World Cup. I'm going to find things out, women's World Cup. I'm going to find things out, I'm going to talk to people, but yes, I'm going to talk to people, but yes, I'm going to talk to people, but yes, my plan is to cover it up and give them space. my plan is to cover it up and give them space. my plan is to cover it up and give them space. From there, for me, From there, for me, From there, for me, women's football is going to take on a different, women's football is going to take on a different, women's football is going to take on a different, much stronger perspective than what I've already been much stronger perspective than what I've already been much stronger perspective than what I've already been giving it. Already. giving it. Already. giving it. Already. Yes. No, I love it, I love it. Yes. No, I love it, I love it. Yes. No, I love it, I love it. And I want to see more women journalists And I want to see more women journalists And I want to see more women journalists there. there. there. Yes. Well, something I do want to Yes. Well, something I do want to Yes. Well, something I do want to highlight is, for example, in the highlight is, for example, in the highlight is, for example, in the coverage that was seen in the media, like coverage that was seen in the media, like Telemundo, I was Telemundo, I was quite impressed by how many quite impressed by how many quite impressed by how many female journalists there were, I mean, female journalists there were, I mean, female journalists there were, I mean, among all those among all those among all those commentating and analyzing the matches.

commentating and analyzing the matches. commentating and analyzing the matches. Generally, women are on the Generally, women are on the Generally, women are on the sidelines; they sidelines; they sidelines; they tell you, "You have an easier time tell you, "You have an easier time tell you, "You have an easier time getting close to them, so go to the getting close to them, so go to the getting close to them, so go to the sidelines." But I see that the women sidelines." But I see that the women sidelines." But I see that the women are very well prepared; they are analyzing, are very well prepared; they are analyzing, are very well prepared; they are analyzing, others are already narrating the others are already narrating the others are already narrating the matches, and yes, it also makes me matches, and yes, it also makes me matches, and yes, it also makes me very proud to see that there is an very proud to see that there is an very proud to see that there is an opportunity. You say, "Wow, there is opportunity. You say, "Wow, there is opportunity. You say, "Wow, there is space." There is space. And I also think we space." There is space. And I also think we space." There is space. And I also think we all want to create even more space all want to create even more space all want to create even more space and we want new generations to and we want new generations to and we want new generations to have have have that opportunity to enter that opportunity to enter that opportunity to enter this industry from a young age this industry from a young age this industry from a young age because there are definitely because there are definitely because there are definitely so many opportunities and I think there are so many opportunities and I think there are so many opportunities and I think there are many things that still many things that still many things that still need to be done, many things that need to be done, many things that need to be done, many things that still need to be developed. And still need to be developed. And still need to be developed. And having that female perspective is having that female perspective is having that female perspective is very important. very important. very important. Yes, yes, it's super important. Something that I do Yes, yes, it's super important. Something that I do Yes, yes, it's super important. Something that I do believe those of us who work in believe those of us who work in believe those of us who work in communication, those of us who study communication, those of us who study communication, those of us who study communication, need is to have a very in- communication, need is to have a very in- communication, need is to have a very in- depth class on business and sales. Yes, depth class on business and sales. Yes, depth class on business and sales. Yes, but I think it should be the second but I think it should be the second but I think it should be the second most important subject because within most important subject because within most important subject because within this world of media this world of media this world of media I think 80% is based on going out to find I think 80% is based on going out to find I think 80% is based on going out to find sponsors, sponsors, sponsors, negotiating with companies and you have to negotiating with companies and you have to negotiating with companies and you have to know how to tell them well what you want to know how to tell them well what you want to know how to tell them well what you want to offer them. I think this World Cup will offer them. I think this World Cup will offer them. I think this World Cup will also be a great opportunity for me because you have to go and also be a great opportunity for me because you have to go and also be a great opportunity for me because you have to go and say, "I want to sell you this say, "I want to sell you this say, "I want to sell you this product, this service." Within the

product, this service." Within the product, this service." Within the world of sports, world of sports, world of sports, there are people who are very clear about the there are people who are very clear about the there are people who are very clear about the impact this has. There are others who are impact this has. There are others who are impact this has. There are others who are n't, but well, that's where our n't, but well, that's where our n't, but well, that's where our power of knowing how to negotiate comes in, right? power of knowing how to negotiate comes in, right? power of knowing how to negotiate comes in, right? And that's also where that And that's also where that And that's also where that part of us comes in, right? The part of us comes in, right? The part of us comes in, right? The creative part, or the more creative part, or the more creative part, or the more business-oriented part, and it's business-oriented part, and it's business-oriented part, and it's very important that those two come together to be very important that those two come together to be very important that those two come together to be able to achieve able to achieve able to achieve everything we want. everything we want. everything we want. That's right. I'm completely sure that's what That's right. I'm completely sure that's what That's right. I'm completely sure that's what we need to have, to we need to have, to we need to have, to strengthen that side because there are more strengthen that side because there are more strengthen that side because there are more spaces like these, so wonderful, and I spaces like these, so wonderful, and I spaces like these, so wonderful, and I want to congratulate you all, where want to congratulate you all, where want to congratulate you all, where that side is precisely what's needed, right? that side is precisely what's needed, right? that side is precisely what's needed, right? That strong side of business and That strong side of business and That strong side of business and companies that believe in these spaces companies that believe in these spaces companies that believe in these spaces so that this continues, so that this continues, so that this continues, because just as many because just as many because just as many projects appear, many projects also disappear projects appear, many projects also disappear projects appear, many projects also disappear due to a lack of support from due to a lack of support from due to a lack of support from businesspeople and a lack of trust. Right? businesspeople and a lack of trust. Right? businesspeople and a lack of trust. Right? That's true. Well, so That's true. Well, so That's true. Well, so now that we're here... We're just a few now that we're here... We're just a few now that we're here... We're just a few days away from the final, days away from the final, days away from the final, what do you think the final result will be what do you think the final result will be what do you think the final result will be ? Who do you want to win? [laughs] ? Who do you want to win? [laughs] ? Who do you want to win? [laughs] [suppressed scream] [suppressed scream] [suppressed scream] You're putting me on the spot. Ah, look, I You're putting me on the spot. Ah, look, I You're putting me on the spot. Ah, look, I had a... Well, obviously, had a... Well, obviously, had a... Well, obviously, first of all, I think Ecuador had first of all, I think Ecuador had first of all, I think Ecuador had very, very high aspirations for this very, very high aspirations for this very, very high aspirations for this World Cup, but oh well, that's how it is. Mm.

World Cup, but oh well, that's how it is. Mm. World Cup, but oh well, that's how it is. Mm. Um, second, uh, I really like Um, second, uh, I really like Um, second, uh, I really like Cristiano Ronaldo as a professional, I've Cristiano Ronaldo as a professional, I've Cristiano Ronaldo as a professional, I've always followed him, in fact, I have a always followed him, in fact, I have a always followed him, in fact, I have a picture with him from 2013. I managed to take picture with him from 2013. I managed to take picture with him from 2013. I managed to take a picture, another long, long story, a picture, another long, long story, a picture, another long, long story, but I did it. Um, but Argentina is but I did it. Um, but Argentina is but I did it. Um, but Argentina is representing us now. So, uh, I representing us now. So, uh, I representing us now. So, uh, I wanted to see that France-Argentina match wanted to see that France-Argentina match wanted to see that France-Argentina match again, that rematch. It didn't happen. They're going to again, that rematch. It didn't happen. They're going to again, that rematch. It didn't happen. They're going to Spain, uh, and Argentina, I think they're going to Spain, uh, and Argentina, I think they're going to Spain, uh, and Argentina, I think they're going to reach the final, uh, yes, to play against reach the final, uh, yes, to play against reach the final, uh, yes, to play against Spain. And well, it touches my heart to have Spain. And well, it touches my heart to have Spain. And well, it touches my heart to have studied there. I have a very studied there. I have a very studied there. I have a very special affection for Argentina. I was a resident of special affection for Argentina. I was a resident of special affection for Argentina. I was a resident of that country, so that's what motivates me that country, so that's what motivates me that country, so that's what motivates me to support them even more, although I love football and to support them even more, although I love football and to support them even more, although I love football and well Imagine, football was born in England well Imagine, football was born in England well Imagine, football was born in England , so I have that... Ah, , so I have that... Ah, , so I have that... Ah, yes, no, this match is going to be really yes, no, this match is going to be really yes, no, this match is going to be really interesting. Yes, yes, yes. But well, interesting. Yes, yes, yes. But well, interesting. Yes, yes, yes. But well, let's go, let's go for... I... I... I want let's go, let's go for... I... I... I want let's go, let's go for... I... I... I want Argentina to win. Argentina to win. Argentina to win. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. And you, And you, And you, really, all my teams have already been eliminated really, all my teams have already been eliminated really, all my teams have already been eliminated , so whoever wins... , so whoever wins... , so whoever wins... Ah, okay. [laughs] Ah, okay. [laughs] Ah, okay. [laughs] I was 100% with Colombia, so...

I was 100% with Colombia, so... I was 100% with Colombia, so... Yes, yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Oh, wow. Well, they were eliminated, but they went out with Oh, wow. Well, they were eliminated, but they went out with Oh, wow. Well, they were eliminated, but they went out with honor. honor. honor. Yes, exactly. So they played very Yes, exactly. So they played very Yes, exactly. So they played very well, they gave it their all. And Mexico too, well, they gave it their all. And Mexico too, well, they gave it their all. And Mexico too, right? right? right? So no, really, the only one that So no, really, the only one that So no, really, the only one that hurt me a little was Brazil, hurt me a little was Brazil, hurt me a little was Brazil, because that was my third team and they were because that was my third team and they were because that was my third team and they were lacking... Brazil is in a process, lacking... Brazil is in a process, lacking... Brazil is in a process, but we do want to see the but we do want to see the but we do want to see the beautiful game of Brazil again, right? And I'm beautiful game of Brazil again, right? And I'm beautiful game of Brazil again, right? And I'm telling you, telling you, telling you, well, and that's another thing, right? well, and that's another thing, right? well, and that's another thing, right? The structure versus something that is more about The structure versus something that is more about The structure versus something that is more about passion and expression. So passion and expression. So passion and expression. So football is changing quite a lot, football is changing quite a lot, football is changing quite a lot, a lot. In fact, The experts, the a lot. In fact, The experts, the a lot. In fact, The experts, the former footballers—I saw many of them former footballers—I saw many of them former footballers—I saw many of them on television analyzing this— on television analyzing this— on television analyzing this— say it's a much more physical game, a say it's a much more physical game, a say it's a much more physical game, a much faster game. It's much faster game. It's much faster game. It's completely different from what they saw completely different from what they saw completely different from what they saw before in terms of strategy, as I started by before in terms of strategy, as I started by before in terms of strategy, as I started by saying, in terms of analysis. It's saying, in terms of analysis. It's saying, in terms of analysis. It's something else entirely, but Spain did it.

something else entirely, but Spain did it. something else entirely, but Spain did it. Spain played that kind of Spain played that kind of Spain played that kind of strategic game to beat strategic game to beat strategic game to beat France, and what happened, happened, France, and what happened, happened, France, and what happened, happened, right? And we're seeing the right? And we're seeing the right? And we're seeing the results now. So, as I results now. So, as I results now. So, as I said, said, said, today's match and the final are going to be really interesting. today's match and the final are going to be really interesting. today's match and the final are going to be really interesting. But we'll also see how all this But we'll also see how all this But we'll also see how all this evolves, right? In the evolves, right? In the evolves, right? In the coming years, and by 2030, coming years, and by 2030, with more teams, I don't know how with more teams, I don't know how that's going to work, I have no idea. that's going to work, I have no idea. that's going to work, I have no idea. More teams, more countries, more cities, More teams, more countries, more cities, more continents, more work, more more continents, more work, more travel. Remember that the next World Cup travel. Remember that the next World Cup travel. Remember that the next World Cup starts in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, starts in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, starts in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and then it moves to Europe. and then it moves to Europe. and then it moves to Europe. So, well, get ready, start So, well, get ready, start So, well, get ready, start saving now, go to the saving now, go to the saving now, go to the Women's World Cup, and then... They focus on the Women's World Cup, and then... They focus on the Women's World Cup, and then... They focus on the other. other. other. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. No, well Elizabeth, thank you so much No, well Elizabeth, thank you so much No, well Elizabeth, thank you so much for being with us here for being with us here for being with us here today. Ah, it's been a conversation, I today. Ah, it's been a conversation, I today. Ah, it's been a conversation, I mean, that I've really enjoyed, getting to mean, that I've really enjoyed, getting to mean, that I've really enjoyed, getting to know a little more about know a little more about know a little more about you, your career, and also what you, your career, and also what you, your career, and also what this experience has been like this experience has been like this experience has been like at this World Cup. So, really, at this World Cup. So, really, at this World Cup. So, really, thank you so much for being here, and there's thank you so much for being here, and there's thank you so much for being here, and there's still a little more to the still a little more to the still a little more to the program, and I wanted to know if you'll stay with program, and I wanted to know if you'll stay with program, and I wanted to know if you'll stay with us. I'll stay us. I'll stay us. I'll stay here. I'll stay here. [laughs] I'll keep you here. I'll stay here. [laughs] I'll keep you here. I'll stay here. [laughs] I'll keep you company. This is company. This is company. This is my world and my zone, so I'll stay my world and my zone, so I'll stay my world and my zone, so I'll stay here. Thank you for inviting me.

here. Thank you for inviting me. here. Thank you for inviting me. No, thank you. Perfect. Well, then, No, thank you. Perfect. Well, then, No, thank you. Perfect. Well, then, our first guest our first guest our first guest was Katie Umaña, who is a sports photographer was Katie Umaña, who is a sports photographer was Katie Umaña, who is a sports photographer or sports journalist or sports journalist . So, since . So, since she was on the program and since she's she was on the program and since she's she was on the program and since she's been covering all the been covering all the been covering all the World Cup matches here in Houston and World Cup matches here in Houston and World Cup matches here in Houston and Dallas, we asked her if she could Dallas, we asked her if she could Dallas, we asked her if she could send us the photo of the week. So send us the photo of the week. So send us the photo of the week. So she He was there with you in she He was there with you in she He was there with you in Dallas. Oh, so she sent us this Dallas. Oh, so she sent us this Dallas. Oh, so she sent us this photo of the week, which is Kylian photo of the week, which is Kylian photo of the week, which is Kylian Mbappé, so yes. No, she, I always Mbappé, so yes. No, she, I always Mbappé, so yes. No, she, I always say, has the best seat, the say, has the best seat, the say, has the best seat, the best place in the whole stadium because she's there on best place in the whole stadium because she's there on best place in the whole stadium because she's there on the sidelines and on the the sidelines and on the the sidelines and on the field, and this was the photo she sent us field, and this was the photo she sent us field, and this was the photo she sent us where you can see that he where you can see that he where you can see that he finished second, right? In the finished second, right? In the finished second, right? In the scoring race, he scoring race, he scoring race, he finished second. Oh, finished second. Oh, finished second. Oh, but that was the photo of the but that was the photo of the but that was the photo of the week, which was from the semifinal between week, which was from the semifinal between week, which was from the semifinal between France and Spain there in France and Spain there in France and Spain there in Dallas. Unfortunately, Dallas. Unfortunately, Dallas. Unfortunately, France, well, they went France, well, they went France, well, they went home. They home. They home. They went home, but they left us with some really went home, but they left us with some really went home, but they left us with some really incredible photos. [laughs] incredible photos. [laughs] incredible photos. [laughs] Yes, yes. You have to follow her.

Yes, yes. You have to follow her. Yes, yes. You have to follow her. Besides, I think that's also a Besides, I think that's also a Besides, I think that's also a spectacular challenge of seconds. At least spectacular challenge of seconds. At least spectacular challenge of seconds. At least we as commentators can see we as commentators can see we as commentators can see , something was missing, we see the , something was missing, we see the , something was missing, we see the replay, they have that second, replay, they have that second, replay, they have that second, you have to take the perfect photo, you have to take the perfect photo, you have to take the perfect photo, right? And many of those win right? And many of those win right? And many of those win awards, so it's Super difficult, awards, so it's Super difficult, awards, so it's Super difficult, right? No, and it's incredible too, I mean, she right? No, and it's incredible too, I mean, she takes thousands of photos [laughs], takes thousands of photos [laughs], and that's why I have to choose and that's why I have to choose and that's why I have to choose one or two to use, one or two to use, one or two to use, right? No, and so really, Katie, right? No, and so really, Katie, right? No, and so really, Katie, thank you so much for sending us the photo thank you so much for sending us the photo thank you so much for sending us the photo of the week, because I know there are so of the week, because I know there are so of the week, because I know there are so many you had to go through to many you had to go through to many you had to go through to find the perfect one. Oh, but no, find the perfect one. Oh, but no, find the perfect one. Oh, but no, thank you so much. And well, this thank you so much. And well, this thank you so much. And well, this weekend I also want to tell weekend I also want to tell weekend I also want to tell everyone that the Houston Dynamo is going to everyone that the Houston Dynamo is going to everyone that the Houston Dynamo is going to have a concert at the have a concert at the have a concert at the stadium, Los Tucanes de stadium, Los Tucanes de stadium, Los Tucanes de Tijuana will be there. Oh, and so we want to Tijuana will be there. Oh, and so we want to Tijuana will be there. Oh, and so we want to remind everyone that on Saturday, remind everyone that on Saturday, remind everyone that on Saturday, July 18th, Los Tucanes will be at Shell Energy Stadium July 18th, Los Tucanes will be at Shell Energy Stadium July 18th, Los Tucanes will be at Shell Energy Stadium . Tickets . Tickets . Tickets are already on sale, at very are already on sale, at very are already on sale, at very affordable prices, and we definitely affordable prices, and we definitely affordable prices, and we definitely want everyone to come and enjoy want everyone to come and enjoy want everyone to come and enjoy a really Mexican night of a really Mexican night of a really Mexican night of good music, good music, good music, with a sports vibe.

with a sports vibe. with a sports vibe. Yes, because tonight the Yes, because tonight the Yes, because tonight the Dynamo is going to face América de Dynamo is going to face América de Dynamo is going to face América de Cali, so... We've had Cali, so... We've had Cali, so... We've had football, well, everything, right? Football, football, well, everything, right? Football, football, well, everything, right? Football, music, not only at the music, not only at the music, not only at the World Cup level, but also World Cup level, but also World Cup level, but also through our local team. So, through our local team. So, through our local team. So, what do you think? Well, as a what do you think? Well, as a what do you think? Well, as a thank you for inviting me, thank you for inviting me, thank you for inviting me, we're going to give away a ticket to everyone who comments between we're going to give away a ticket to everyone who comments between we're going to give away a ticket to everyone who comments between today and tomorrow for the concert. today and tomorrow for the concert. today and tomorrow for the concert. Okay, Okay, Okay, okay. okay. okay. What do you think? Well, we'll What do you think? Well, we'll What do you think? Well, we'll give away two tickets to the first give away two tickets to the first give away two tickets to the first people who comment, or however people who comment, or however people who comment, or however you want to do it. you want to do it. No, no, we're not doing that. No, no, we're not doing that. We're doing a giveaway. I We're doing a giveaway. I We're doing a giveaway. I love that idea, and for today too. I don't know if love that idea, and for today too. I don't know if love that idea, and for today too. I don't know if we'll have time, but today's we'll have time, but today's we'll have time, but today's the game, and I know there are people the game, and I know there are people the game, and I know there are people following you, so it's worth following you, so it's worth following you, so it's worth rewarding everyone who's rewarding everyone who's rewarding everyone who's talking about it, and I'm giving them a ticket talking about it, and I'm giving them a ticket talking about it, and I'm giving them a ticket , , , right? Awesome. Thank you. No, right? Awesome. Thank you. No, right? Awesome. Thank you. No, definitely. So, for definitely. So, for definitely. So, for everyone who's tuning in, everyone who's tuning in, everyone who's tuning in, leave us a comment, and then... We're going to leave us a comment, and then... We're going to leave us a comment, and then... We're going to choose the winner.

choose the winner. choose the winner. Okay. I love it. Thank you so much. Okay. I love it. Thank you so much. Okay. I love it. Thank you so much. Yay. No, and this is what I like. Yay. No, and this is what I like. Yay. No, and this is what I like. [laughs] [laughs] [laughs] Perfect. A lot of people like the Perfect. A lot of people like the Perfect. A lot of people like the Okay. Tickets. Where? [laughs] Okay. Tickets. Where? [laughs] Okay. Tickets. Where? [laughs] I'm in. Uh-huh I'm in. Uh-huh I'm in. Uh-huh . People are raising their hands over here . People are raising their hands over here . People are raising their hands over here too, are too, are too, are n't they? Wow. Well, so this has been n't they? Wow. Well, so this has been n't they? Wow. Well, so this has been a really fun morning. a really fun morning. a really fun morning. Thank you so much for joining us, and well, just a Thank you so much for joining us, and well, just a Thank you so much for joining us, and well, just a reminder that we have the reminder that we have the reminder that we have the Football Takeover show every Football Takeover show every Football Takeover show every Wednesday at 10 a.m., so Wednesday at 10 a.m., so Wednesday at 10 a.m., so tune in, tune in, tune in, and we'll be posting on social media and we'll be posting on social media and we'll be posting on social media who our who our who our future guests will be. So future guests will be. So future guests will be. So thank you so much for tuning in this thank you so much for tuning in this thank you so much for tuning in this morning. It's been really fun. I loved it. morning. It's been really fun. I loved it.