Ивуарийский нападающий Диомандé возвращается к успеху после трудных времен

Ivorian striker Yann Diomande has spoken of how the win over Ecuador and his strong performance helped him regain his confidence after a difficult time. The RB Leipzig striker, who is currently being linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, was named man of the match after the World Cup clash in Philadelphia.

On the night between Sunday and Monday, 19-year-old Diomande became a real headache for the Ecuadorian team, especially for his direct rival Pierrot Hincapier, the Arsenal defender. Hincapier was unable to cope several times with the fast and technical Diomande, who repeatedly passed him.

After the match, which was decided in the end thanks to a goal by Amad Diallo, the public's attention was once again captured by the performance of the Leipzig striker. Despite his good performance last season, where he scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists, Diomande was not feeling over the moon. "I've been under a lot of criticism lately and have been going through some tough times. I don't want to go into it, but it's really been difficult for me, especially with my mother and family. There are things more important than football," he said in an interview.

Diomande remains in Leipzig until 2030, but for now his focus is solely on the World Cup. "It's always nice to start with a win; it gives you confidence. We knew Ecuador were a strong team. We had to be patient and wait for our chance, and when it came we scored."

In the next group stage match against Germany (June 20), Diomande will meet many friends from the Bundesliga. "We will do everything we can to win the next game. We understand that it will be difficult as Germany is one of the best teams in the world. We are now preparing for this match and we must remain calm and humble. We did not come here for nothing; we want to leave a mark on history."