"I'm here to learn and help the team"

STATEMENTS

Joshua Wynder confessed that he was experiencing a special moment, having the opportunity to play for Benfica in his country and in the Club World Cup. Before Wednesday's training match against Tampa Bay Rowdies, in which he scored a goal, the American spoke about the clash with Boca Juniors, predicting "a great game" on June 16, the date of the Eagles' World Cup debut.

The center back – who made his debut for Benfica's first team in the match against Tirsense in the first leg (0-5) of the Portuguese Cup semi-final in the 2024/25 season – also reinforced his ambition to continue the evolutionary process.

What are your expectations for this tournament, which is special for you because it is in the United States? And for Benfica?

It's special for me to be with the first team here in the United States. My expectations are game by game, for the team. The first goal is to get through the group stage, but we'll take it one game at a time.

Do you also expect to spend a few minutes here in this tournament?

I'm here to learn from the more experienced players and do whatever I can to help the team.

What are your expectations for the first match against Boca Juniors? Yesterday [Tuesday, June 10], Cavani said upon arrival that the Argentine team has high ambitions for this tournament...

I know Boca Juniors is a great team. It will be a tough game, but we will do what we do in training every day, and we will see what happens.

There have been very high temperatures, very unusual weather. Have you been giving advice to your teammates, who may not be used to this?

It was quite hot here on the first day. It took a little while, but now we're all used to it.

Do you expect to play for the first team next season?

I must work every day and be the best player I can be.

What can you tell us about soccer in the United States? Is it evolving? Is there growing interest among Americans?

Yes, it is definitely evolving quickly. This tournament will greatly help the growth of soccer in the United States.

Looking at the match against Boca Juniors, this is the first time the two teams have faced each other. Officially, it is also a special match between two giants of world football...

Yes, it will be a great game. As I said, it's the first time the two teams will face each other, so it will be a great game. We'll see what happens.