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'We can prove people wrong'

'We can prove people wrong'

BBC News22-05-2025

Dante Polvara is well aware Aberdeen have been written off by many as no-hopers in the Scottish Cup final. He isn't bothered. In fact, the American midfielder is convinced the Dons can thrive on their underdog status against Celtic."In a weird way, it makes it a bit nicer knowing there's no pressure on you, right? So you can really go out there and go for it," Polvara told BBC Scotland."We obviously put pressure on ourselves, but outside of the city there's no real pressure, no expectation."That kind of gives us the licence and belief, like, okay, everyone's against us, and that lets you form a bit of a tighter-knit group and a real belief within."We do have the potential to prove people wrong. We've done it in big games before. We've upset teams in the past since I've been here."So you get it right on the day, you get some luck from the football gods, and you never know what could happen."Polvara, 24, is no longer overawed by the prospect of heading to the national stadium with silverware at stake."It must be my fifth or sixth game at Hampden. At first it can be quite daunting," he added."It's obviously a different set-up than any of us are used to with 50-50 fans. The fans are quite far from the pitch and getting used to a new environment is sometimes tough."Compared to the first time, I'm in a much better place mentally to approach it just with less emotion and approach it in a more professional manner."I can't wait. It's a great way to end the season and it would be even better to have a parade through the city."

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