Manchester United winger Amad described feeling "a lot of emotions" after scoring a late winner for the Ivory Coast against Ecuador in their World Cup group stage match on Sunday.
The 23-year-old came off the bench in the 53rd minute and scored a stunning 90th-minute goal to secure a dramatic victory. Ecuador had hit the woodwork three times, but Amad's first-time left-footed finish from the edge of the box sparked jubilant celebrations among the Ivory Coast players.
"We needed that," Amad said after the match. "We came here to make history. This is the first competition for each of us, and we have been super motivated since the match against France. We were all mentally prepared."
Team Spirit and Focus
Amad emphasized the importance of maintaining the same mentality for the remaining matches. "We're very, very happy with this victory. It doesn't stop there, but in the next two matches, we have to have the same mentality to try to win. We knew it was going to be a difficult match because we know the Ecuador players, they are physically strong. We had to try to impose our game."
He added: "They made it difficult for us, of course, but we tried to stay clear-headed, stay focused, and in the end, we won the three points."
Emotional Debut Goal
When asked about his feelings after scoring the winner, Amad responded: "It's a lot of emotions, first match at the World Cup and my first goal, but that's not my goal, that's to help the team and help the group move forward. Everyone wants to play, we are a team. The coach can make five substitutions, but not everyone can come on. Everyone is super ready."
Amad contributed just two goals and four assists for Manchester United in all competitions last season, but he scored for the Ivory Coast in a warm-up friendly against France and also found the net in their opening World Cup clash.
Carrick's Support
Earlier in May, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick defended Amad's form, stating: "I actually think he's playing well. I think, yeah, numbers in terms of goals and assists.... I think there's an awful lot more in the game, playing in a winning team as he has, to worry about numbers."
Carrick added: "I think he gives the team so much. He's got so much talent, he's got so much ability, but his work ethic and his attitude is fantastic as well. He has played different roles at times. I'm a big fan of Amad."
Carrick also noted that Amad was unlucky to be substituted in a recent match due to tactical changes, but emphasized that his contributions go beyond statistics. "It's the underbelly of what goes into the performance, not always what the headline grabs that actually provide you... or what proved to be as a team that's going to be successful. Amad's part of it."
