The World Cup is always full of unforgettable moments, and Spain's victory over France to reach the final, especially Luis de la Fuente's team's complete dominance, left a deep impression. Spain almost completely shut down the tournament's most potent attack, with Pedro Porro becoming the focus of the match after scoring the second goal.
The Tottenham Hotspur right-back received a through ball from Olmo and scored a crucial goal. Just as Puyol did in the semi-final against Germany in the South Africa World Cup, Porro became a hero for Spain with his key goal.
Polo is one of the most outstanding players in this World Cup, and behind his career lies a story of overcoming difficulties and growing up. Born in Tombénito, Badajoz province, Extremadura, Polo came from a family of modest means. His parents worked tirelessly, while his grandparents played a vital role in his upbringing. Whenever he achieves success, he thinks of his family.
Now, Polo is a father himself. His ten-month-old son is also witnessing important moments in his career. However, not all of his family members were in the stands for the Spain vs. France match. Due to the child's illness, Polo's parents stayed at the hotel to take care of their grandson and were unable to witness their son's brilliant performance.
Polo mentioned his family in his goal celebration and post-match interview. Despite having delivered what was arguably the best performance of his career so far, his joy was not entirely complete.
"I wanted to look up at the stands," Polo said, "but there were only my wife, father-in-law, and physiotherapist there. My parents and children weren't there. I know that all of Spain, all of Extremadura, and my family are watching on television to support me. None of this would have been possible without them."
Subsequently, the SER radio program "Sports Carousel" contacted Polo's mother, Eva Maria Soceda. She was still basking in the joy of her son helping Spain reach the final.
Speaking about her feelings after the match, she said, "I got goosebumps all over when I heard the commentary. I don't think the tension will disappear until the final is over. I'm someone who cries easily, and the whole thing was very touching. It was all unbelievable, and you can't fully process it all right away."
When asked why she chose to stay at the hotel to take care of her child on the day of the match, she explained: “I decided to stay with my baby. We’ve been in the US since June 22nd, and the humidity here is very high. After so many days of traveling, my child got sick. After all that running around, his body seemed to be saying, ‘I can only hold on this far.’ After seeing his condition, I talked to Pedro and then decided without hesitation to stay and take care of the child.”
The host stated that her experience represents many Spanish mothers who work hard for their families. In response, she said, "I have indeed put in a lot of effort. I wouldn't dare say I represent all mothers in the world, but in my case, I started working at a very young age and have lived with my parents for most of my life."
“I went back to work when Pedro was only four months old. My parents were a great help to us and took care of the baby. Because I was working all day, I couldn’t be with my baby. There are many mothers in Spain and around the world who have experienced the same thing and are willing to give everything for their children.”
Speaking about her work experience, she said, "I left school when I was 14 and worked in supermarkets and neighborhood stores before joining Mercadona. Until three years ago, I decided to quit my job to be with my son. I took a leave of absence and have been with Pedro ever since."
Speaking of Pedro's personality as a child, she said, "He was exactly the same as he is now. He was funny and humble, and sometimes he had his temper, but Pedro had a very kind heart. He was very talkative and liked to joke, just like he was as a child. My child is really good, and it's not just because I'm his mother."
Polo left Spain for Portugal at a young age. His mother recalled, "When he first arrived in Portugal, I had to be with him for the first few steps and make sure he was doing well there. Even though he is now a father, he is still a child in my eyes. He left home at the age of 15, which was too young, so I had to stay with him."
When asked if she would go to watch the World Cup final in person, she gave a positive answer: "Of course I will go to watch the final on Sunday. The baby is fine today and is responding well to the medication."
Finally, she spoke about Polo's humble family background: "People should also understand all of this from the inside. To many people, he is a high-earning, well-off football star, but only those who have been through it truly understand. I have always been natural and know what to say and what not to say. I have no reservations about telling our family story."
