FRANCOIS "PANCHO" CROES

ORANJESTAD- Aruba Soccer Federation started together with Romar Trading NV a campaign that during the halftime of Friday games a penalty shootout is held in which fans can win Manchester United products.

This is a world wide campaign in which with the purchase of Casillero del Diablo wines you will receive a ticket that you can scratch and by visiting www.casillerodeldiablo.com/caribe you can register to participate and win a ticket for two to visit Old Trafford to experience a Manchester United match.

On every Friday we will have a player from the national team assisting in the penalty shootout event. The first player to do so was Maurice Escalona followed by Raymbert Bikker. This week is the turn of our young center back Francois "Pancho" Croes.  Below is a Wednesday Q & A session with National Team Player Pancho Croes so that soccer fans can know him a little bit better.

Name: Francois ‘Pancho’ Croes

Club: SV Estrella

Date of birth: October 11, 1990

Place of birth:  Oranjestad, Aruba

Age: 21

Height: 1.84 Meters

Nationality: Dutch

Position: Center Back

Foot: Right

Q: Your mentality on the field? What word would you apply?

A: Never ever give up.

Q: Do you enjoy defending the best attackers?

A: Yes I do, it challenges you to play better and better.

Q: How about the word determined would that fit you?

A: It does in most occasions. The goal is to give your best and play hard for 90 minutes so that whatever the outcome, you know you left everything on the pitch.

Q: Best Advice your coach has given you?

A: If they don’t score, we can’t lose.

Q: Funniest teammate?

A: At the club I think it is Annuar Kock

Q: In what way?

A: Because he can’t sit still, he is always hyper and running around.

Q: Give me an example?

A: He gets to practice, grabs a ball and starts shooting it and running after it everywhere.

Q: Best dressed teammate?

A: Difficult to say, we all have our own style. (laughter)

Q: Where do you fit in?

A: Both at the club and at the national team I just like to have some humor, and have a good time.

Q: Boy Hood Idol?

A: Ronaldo (Brazil), and Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)

Q: What is it like preparing for a game?

A: For the big games mostly it starts from the day before, you keep thinking about the game, and you can’t wait to get on the field.

Q: What is it like playing for the national team of Aruba?

A: It is an honor off course. You wear your flag on your chest.

Q: has your Dad given you any tips?

A: He always told me and taught me to shoot and be good with both the left and right foot.

Q: Didn't your dad say you reminded him of himself?

A: Sometimes he does, he always participated in many sports just like me, but he did not focus on football as much as I do.

Q: At what age did you start playing soccer?

A: When I was 3, almost 4 years old I started with SV Estrella.

Q: What got into you?

A: I was always at the field to watch my older brother practice, and I loved being there.

Q: What is your secret to staying in shape?

A: For me, whenever I am at practice, just run everywhere and play allot with the ball.

Q: Best game you ever played?

A: I have 2. The first is with the ‘Wega nan di Reino’ in Holland we beat the Netherlands Antilles, and I scored to winning goal with a header. The second one is beating Guyana during the Olympic Qualifiers in Cuba.

Q: Your Mother?

A: She always supported me, since I was 3 until now she does not miss a game I play.

Q: Your Father?

A: Always gave me advice, and until today he tells me to be good with both feet.

Q: Your team fans?

A: SV Estrella has the best, and the most loyal fans I know of. I think we have the biggest fan base in Aruba. We have the whole ‘tribune di pariba’ for many years.

Q: What do you want your team fans to say about you?

A: I want them to support us like they always do, and be there in good and bad moments.

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: If it was possible first of all my uncle Gilberto Francois ‘Betico’ Croes, and my Grandparents who are not here anymore.

Q: Favorite Movie?

A: Happy Gilmore, Lord of the Rings, The hangover.

Q: Favorite Actors?

A: Adam Sandler, Tom Hanks, Jessica Alba

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Seafood Pasta

Q: Favorite professional soccer player?

A: All the REAL MADRID players