ORLANDO, Florida.- Representing Suriname in the inaugural Gold Cup? Done. Getting the
nation’s first goal in the same tournament? Done. This is Suriname’s striker Gleofilo Vlijter’s
checklist up until now.
Excelling in Concacaf competition is nothing new for the Suriname striker, he was the top scorer
in the 2019-20 CONCACAF Nations League with 10 goals in total.
The 21-year-old forward has played 11 games and scored 12 goals, one coming in Concacaf
World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022, but his most recent goal is perhaps the most important
goal of his career thus far.
Vlijter broke the 0-0 deadlock against Costa Rica when he scored in the second half with a
spinning shot that went straight into the back of the net, giving him the first-ever Gold Cup goal
for Suriname.
“I am so happy. I am so happy that I scored the first goal for Suriname, and in the Gold Cup I am
also an all-time scorer for my country with this goal, so it’s a very big moment for me in my life
and my career. It’s only up from now on,” said Vlijter to Concacaf.com
Despite Suriname having a short-lived Gold Cup even though the team showed promise in both
their Group C games, Vlijter is sure his team will be back and stronger next time. Knowing the
adversity that the team has had to endure to be in a Gold Cup, now is a good time to reflect on
the positives.
“We know we are a good team. We know that we can do better than this, but haven’t been
together too long, only for like two months, and we are getting along with each other like this?
It’s quite remarkable. For now, Suriname is going to work hard. We are going to learn from this
and grow,” said Vlijter.
“Only thing I can say is that Suriname is coming,” concluded.
