'The Different Perspective': Episode 4

World
Europe

01:15

The latest episode of “The Different Perspective” on Sports Scene’s “Summer of Soccer” featured Spanish forward Veronica Boquete, who is in her first season with Beijing BG Phoenix of the Chinese Women’s Super League.

The 31-year-old shared her unique views on her country’s chances of success at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, what it’s like to play in the women’s edition of the global showpiece, and Spain’s work with China to help boost its football development efforts.

Boquete is well-traveled, having previously played for clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, and Frankfurt during her professional career.

Her honors include lifting the trophy in the Frauen-Bundesliga with Bayern in 2015-16 and standing atop the European podium by helping Frankfurt win the UEFA Women’s Champions League the previous season.

Veronica Boquete of Paris Saint Germain during a training session of Paris Saint Germain at Bougival on July 25, 2017 in Paris, France /VCG Photo /VCG Photo

She has also scored 38 goals in 56 matches for Spain, served as the side’s captain during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“It’s kind of hard to have a normal life in that situation,” she said about competing at high-level tournaments like the World Cup.

“But I think Spain is good in that because we have a good team together. They play cards, they play ping-pong, they try to entertain themselves, and that can be a key to be able to be fresh at the time of the game.”

Boquete, like many Spain supporters around the planet, will be eagerly watching to see if that sunny outlook can help La Roja defeat Iran in their second game at the World Cup on Wednesday evening.

The Spaniards opened the tournament by battling to a 3-3 draw with their neighbors and rivals Portugal last Friday and will wrap up play in Group B by facing Morocco next Monday.