Nathan Saliba (Canada) and César Huerta (Mexico) had the honour of representing their countries at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. For both players, this edition was extra special as they had the opportunity to play in front of their home fans and make their World Cup debut with their families in the stands. Nathan added another memorable moment to his tournament by scoring against Qatar and dedicating his goal to his injured teammate. We sat down with Anderlecht’s two World Cup representatives to reflect on their experiences.
Nathan and César, welcome back. How did the World Cup go for you?
Nathan: "First of all, it’s an honour to be selected for World Cup. On top of that, it was a tournament played on home soil, with my family and friends in the stands to experience that special moment with me. It’s rewarding to see that your hard work pays off. Feeling the whole country behind us and seeing everyone support us was something truly special as well. You could really feel the excitement across Canada. I think it’s something that will inspire future generations, and it has already started. Canada’s Minister of Sport even told us that football registrations have already gone through the roof."
César: "It was just incredible. It’s an experience that will stay with me forever because of everything it represents. Playing in a World Cup in my own country and making my World Cup debut in front of my entire family. It was truly a special moment."
What did this experience bring you as a player?
Nathan: "It gives you a completely new experience. You feel a certain responsibility because you’re representing your entire country. It’s a very different environment from club football. It’s do or die, you don’t always get a second chance. It’s a different kind of football."
César: "This World Cup taught me so much. Above all, it gave me even more motivation and an even greater desire to keep improving, to keep believing in myself and to become a better player so I can compete at the highest level."
Nathan, you also helped your national team by scoring a goal, with a celebration that went viral around the world.
Nathan: "Yes, it was a very special moment because of the way everything unfolded. Ismaël Koné, who’s also a very close friend of mine, unfortunately got injured. After that, it almost felt like the stars had aligned for me to replace him, score that goal and dedicate my celebration to him. More than the goal itself, it was the context that made the moment so special for me. To be honest, I still haven’t fully realised everything that happened during the tournament."
Were you able to take some time off after the World Cup?
Nathan: "No. Because the schedule was quite tight, I decided to stay in Montreal to recharge my batteries with my family and loved ones."
César: "Yes, I did. I spent a few days at the beach with my family and was able to completely switch off."
What did you miss most about Brussels and RSCA?
Nathan: "The environment. The team and my teammates. It’s great to be back and feel that energy within the group again. I’m happy we’re all together again to prepare as well as possible for the new season. Many of the players were already here last season, myself included. I feel it’s my responsibility to be one of the players who leads the team and shows how far we can go together."
César: "Everything, really. The people at the club, the daily routine, the training sessions, my friends and my teammates. Everything that’s part of my life here. I’m really looking forward to the new season. For me, it feels like an opportunity to put certain things right."
How are you approaching Thursday’s match against Hammarby?
Nathan: "It’s a very important game. Playing in Europe is one of the club’s objectives. It won’t be easy, so it’s up to us to prepare as well as we can."
César: "I’m approaching the game with a lot of excitement and motivation. It’s also an opportunity to bounce back after what happened last season. I think it’s a great chance for the club, for the team and for myself to do better and compete for a place in European football once again."
