Kenny Gora on the World Cup: “It Feels Like a Dream Come True”

Kenny Gora will be one of the Israeli Premier League representatives at the upcoming World Cup after being included in Curaçao’s squad. Ahead of the tournament, the player answered several questions about his participation in the biggest event in world football.

"It feels like a dream come true," he said about where he is now. "As a young child, you dream about these moments, and now it is a reality. To play on a stage like the World Cup against Germany, who have won it four times. We are looking forward to it. I am definitely looking forward to it."

Speaking about the atmosphere in the United States, he said: "The atmosphere is amazing. I think we are really enjoying everything and taking everything in. We are in Miami now and we are enjoying it a lot. The family is not with us. My wife and children are in Manchester right now. They are coming to the game in Houston against Germany on Sunday. My father is the coach here, so I do get to see him every day."

Gora spoke about the prayers he posted on social media: "Our faith is our foundation. We pray every morning and also before games just to center ourselves, just to make sure we understand that it is bigger than football and we thank God that we can play football and do what we love to do, but also that we are breathing and healthy because every day is not guaranteed."

On the responses he received from Maccabi Haifa fans, he said: "I received some amazing messages from Maccabi Haifa fans. They really encouraged me, showed their belief in me and their trust in me, and that really means a lot. I wanted to thank everyone, all the people who sent messages and all the people who sent us good spirit and good energy here. We appreciate it."

On his condition after the injury he suffered, he said: "I am fully back, I am fully ready. I trained back with the team in full, so I am really grateful that I can now be ready and fully fit for the World Cup. Can we take points? For sure we can take points. We are going with full faith and full confidence that we can make it happen."

Asked who will win the World Cup, he said: "That is a hard question. Who do I think is the favorite to win? I think it has to be France. With the depth of the squad they have, with the players they have as well, I think they are probably the favorites to win it."

Gora was asked who he would like to swap shirts with and answered without hesitation: "It is going to be amazing to swap shirts with one of my close friends who plays for Germany, Felix Nmecha. I am really close to him, so it will be amazing to get a shirt right after the match, it is a memory for life."