Pedro Plantier, technical director of the Portuguese Federation, told us of his joy after the incredible victory of his men's team against the Brazilians.

Padel Magazine : Last night was amazing for Portugal, wasn't it?

Yes, especially for men. 4 years ago in Paraguay, we beat France in the women's category, but there, the victory of our boys against Brazil, it's just a daydream. It's incredible. I still remember a match in 2006 of Brazil, which beat Spain in the semi-finals of the World Cup and we were so happy for them. At that time, the padel was just beginning with us in Portugal. And 16 years later, we beat Brazil here in Dubai! It is the work of the players, of the Federation, of the clubs that is being rewarded today.

Pedro Pitucas Plantier technical director Federation Portugal

PM: Is this your best memory in terms of padel ?

It is comparable for me to the first great conquest of the Portuguese Federation of padel, when we obtained recognition as a federation instead of the Tennis Federation. It was a huge success politically and it is what allows our sport to grow. But on the sporting level, it is unprecedented for us. We are more used to big successes from our girls, but never against a team as strong as Brazil in the men's category. I still have goosebumps. We exchanged messages again at 5 am because neither of us could sleep with the adrenaline we had during this encounter. I want to emphasize that it was a team victory, that of the players but also that of everyone around, including the girls. Some of us couldn't talk anymore because we were crying with happiness. It's a dream come true.

PM: what about your next opponent, in the semi-finals?

Beating Brazil was our main objective. Now we face Argentina and we will give everything but playing without any pressure, just trying to give the best of ourselves. We have already played against Spain, so we know what to expect and we will especially enjoy these moments. And then as long as the competition is not over, anything can happen. We'll see what can be done.

After 40 years of tennis, Jérôme falls into the pot of padel in 2018. Since then, he thinks about it every morning while shaving… but never shaves pala in hand! Journalist in Alsace, he has no other ambition than to share his passion with you, whether you speak French, Italian, Spanish or English.

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