Spain defeated Paraguay more easily than expected. With a resounding 5-0 victory in the first of two friendlies scheduled for the last break on the calendar. The Spanish team exhibited tremendous effectiveness. Highlighted by Raúl Gómez’s double, in the match held at the Manzanares Arena, which erupted with enthusiasm for the debut of the Quesos El Hidalgo pivot, Daniel Gabriel García, who played as the host.
The top scorer in the national First Division, second only to Brazilian Marcel Marques of ElPozo Murcia Costa Calida with 26 points, couldn’t have asked for a better debut in the national jersey. In the 5th minute, before even touching the ball, the Cuenca-born striker received an excellent assist at the far post from Chino and fired past Giovani González.
call up
Hailing from Horcajo de Santiago, Dani Gabriel received the call from Spain at the age of 27. Along with Gon Castejón, marking a significant novelty in the lineup. “It’s a dream come true. I’m thrilled. I woke up, saw the messages, and thought it was a joke from my colleagues. But when I checked social networks and saw the list, I realized it was true,” he affirmed.
Having scored 23 goals in 26 First Division matches, Dani recognized that “this is my best season alongside the promotion season. It reflects in everything—goals, performance, and contribution to the team as per the coach’s directives.” He believes that it’s never too late to make a debut for Spain. “I’m like wine; I mature, and with age, I improve,” he remarked on Cadena Ser.
The Quesos El Hidalgo pivot never lost hope and confessed: “I was discussing with my teammate Raúl Campos, the national team captain, and he mentioned how difficult it is to make changes. I didn’t expect the call, especially with it being the last one before the World Cup.” He reiterated, “Through hard work, humility, and perseverance, good things come.”
Fate orchestrated his international debut to be in front of his hometown fans in Manzanares, who cheered endlessly. “Debuting like this is a coincidence, but it’s incredible,” he exclaimed, giving a special mention to the sea of blue-turned-red supporters. “The people are devoted. They’ve always supported us. They fill the stadium, and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are,” he expressed proudly.
Promotion
In Manzanares, he has experienced promotion to the First Division, historic Spanish Cup participation, and now the call from Fede Vidal. The newly minted international revealed: “During our last trip to Pamplona, Raúl Campos, Cortés, and I were in the same room, and speaking with the physio felt almost premonitory.” Daniel Gabriel’s journey mirrors that of any child who starts playing “with friends at school and later with the town team from a young age.”
His life took a turn after participating in a summer marathon, leading to an invitation to try out for Rivas Futsal. “I started in the youth team and eventually made it to the first team under David Ramos. But I never imagined I’d play for Spain,” he reminisced.
The coach who handed him his Second Division debut departed in January 2019 for the eternal rival, Albali Valdepeñas Vineyard, and it took only six months for Dani to sign with Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares. Arriving five seasons ago, he garnered attention from several teams in his last two seasons, but President Manuel del Salto has already secured his renewal until 2026.
“Making it to the World Cup squad is challenging. I’m performing well, but there are many talented players. Who knows, hopefully, it would be the greatest achievement I could accomplish,” he pondered. Following his remarkable debut, Dani Gabriel acknowledged, “My passport has long expired, but I’ll renew it quickly.” Spain will face Paraguay again in Valdepeñas next Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
