I was rejected a lot in the early days - I think I heard the word 'no' nine times - and I began to think that maybe I wasn't going to make it as a professional, let alone play for the national team.

My stamina was my strength.

I had my chance in the World Cup Final and, wow, it was the opportunity I needed to show the whole world what I was capable of.

I was rejected a lot in the early days - I think I heard the word 'no' nine times - and I began to think that maybe I wasn't going to make it as a professional, let alone play for the national team.