La Roja striker Borja Iglesias spoke at Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the friendly match against Iraq and offered his insight ahead of the game against the Asian side and also looked ahead to travelling to the USA and Mexico ahead of Spain’s Group H matches.

How did you experience the squad announcement?

Before the announcement time I was quite calm. But when the countdown started, I did get a bit nervous.

What do you expect from Riazor this Thursday; do you think they might not receive you well?

I hadn’t even thought about it. With the national team, what’s important is Spain and you have to enjoy it. I’m sure we’ll have a great evening.

What will you bring to this national team?

I’ve never been much for promises but certainly more hard work. I’ll try to help in whatever role I’m given.

This is the longest World Cup in history. What three things won’t be missing in your suitcase?

My filter coffee kit, a camera; and possibly the Nintendo to play Mario Kart.

What did you tell your haters who didn’t want you in the World Cup?

That everyone has their opinion. I’m not the one who decides and surely there are people who aren’t here today who would deserve to be...

Lamine, Nico, Merino… are arriving with fitness concerns. How important is it that they arrive fit?

We take it calmly. These situations happen and I’m sure they’ll be ready once we start the tournament.

Do you think it is harder for you to achieve things than for other players?

I don’t have that feeling at all. I’m facing one of the challenges of my career right now. Thinking otherwise would be carrying an emotion I don’t know I want.

Are you eager to score your first goal with Spain?

No, but sometimes we don’t choose the timing. I want to score and I’m eager, of course. But I also know I have to work for the team.

What is your first memory of a World Cup?

My first clear memory is the World Cup in South Korea, when we were knocked out by the host nation. I was pretty upset that summer because of it I have to confess.

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