“In my barrio, most of the people didn’t know my name or even that I existed. To them, I was only Pablo’s sister, or Andrés and the seamstress’s daughter—my mom, too, was nameless. But I was determined to leave my mark. And with the Sudamericano, I would have my chance.” 

Camila’s hard work is constantly overshadowed by her brother’s soccer success, and she’s tired of being overlooked. Her thoughts showcase her determination to make a name for herself through women’s soccer, even though her dream is a long shot. This quote also shows the position of women in an Argentinian family; rather than being known for their talents, Camila and her mother are disregarded in favor of the male family members.

“I’d leave this house the first chance I got, but not by chasing after a boy, including my brother. I’d do it on my own terms, following my own dreams, not someone else’s. And most importantly, no one would leech off my sacrifices. No one.”

From her parents’ marriage and other people in her community, Camila sees the way romance gets in the way of fulfilling one’s dreams. She learns from her observations and resolves to break the cycle present in her family line. She also sees the way her father hopes to profit from Pablo’s career. She longs for independence, knowing that being tied to another’s dreams will only keep her from realizing her own.

“Her gaze, so full of longing, flitted to my father every few seconds. She was still hoping, waiting, for…I didn’t know what. They’d been together since they were sixteen. If he hadn’t changed by now…” 

Despite emotional abuse from her husband, Camila’s mother continues to hope and wait for him to love her. Méndez highlights her insecurity and the way Camila’s father preys on her weakness to keep his wife under his thumb. Her plight is echoed by other characters in the novel such as Marisa, who is also in an abusive relationship and feels trapped.