"I am indeed a member of the Spanish national team?" Hotel security guard didn't recognize him, leading to an 'entrance cut'... The humiliation of the 187cm giant 'Panda': "I don't know you"

*This content was translated by AI.

Borja Iglesias (33, Celta Vigo), a forward for the Spanish national football team, experienced the absurd situation of being denied entry to a hotel by security personnel who failed to recognize him.

The UK's 'The Sun' reported on the 19th (local time) that "Iglesias was blocked by security personnel in front of the Spanish national team's hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, and had to explain his identity."

At the time, Iglesias explained to security personnel and onlookers outside the hotel's barricades that he needed to enter the premises. When the personnel failed to recognize him, he directly stated that he is a Spanish national team player.

However, the security personnel blocked Iglesias from entering and demanded an access pass to verify his identity. Upon confirming that Iglesias did not have an access pass, the personnel asked, "Are you a player?" to which he replied again, "Yes, I am a national team player." Nevertheless, the personnel did not drop their suspicions and eventually demanded his name. It remains unconfirmed whether Iglesias successfully entered the hotel afterward.

The media suggested that the reason the security personnel failed to recognize Iglesias was due to Spain's poor performance. As European champions, Spain was initially expected to be overwhelmingly favored, with opening match win odds as high as 1-12. However, they recorded a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, the first-time World Cup participant. In that match, Iglesias remained on the bench, while striker Mikel Oyarzabal showed the worst form.

Iglesias is a traditional striker known for his solid post-play and clinical finishing, built on a sturdy 187cm frame. Having played for Real Betis and Espanyol, he is currently active at Celta Vigo. Known by the nickname 'Panda' among Spanish football fans, he was selected as an attacking resource for the Spanish national team based on his consistent goal-scoring ability demonstrated in La Liga.

Meanwhile, the Spanish national team, led by coach Luis de la Fuente, will seek to restore their honor in the group stage's second match against Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia caused an upset by drawing with the South American powerhouse Uruguay in the first match.

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*This content was translated by AI.