Maria Sanchez can admit it now. She was nervous. And scared.

The native of American Falls was afraid her opportunity to play in the Women’s World Cup would slip away. Maybe she’d have to wait another four years.

She’s trained with the Mexican Women’s National team for weeks. What would everybody back home following her path to the World Cup think if she never stepped on the field during an actual match?

Sanchez didn’t want to let anyone down.

But after her coach called her off the bench to enter the match against England on Saturday in Moncton, New Brunswick, Sanchez wasn’t concerned with that anymore. It was hard enough keeping her nerves in check.

In her head, Sanchez repeated to herself, “I’m prepared for this. I’ve worked a long time for this. I’m ready.”

Sanchez, a sophomore-to-be at Idaho State, entered Mexico’s game as a substitute against England in the 77th minute. England eventually prevailed in a 2-1 victory.

It was Mexico’s second game of the tournament. Sanchez didn’t play in the first, a 1-1 draw with Colombia on Tuesday. It started to sink in afterward for Sanchez that there was a chance she’d never enter a real game.

“I was kind of scared to have everybody supporting me knowing that I was going to be here,” Sanchez said over the phone to the Journal on Saturday night. “And then not getting any playing time put me down a bit. Because I knew a lot of people were watching back home and supporting me.”

Despite the loss and playing for 13 minutes, competing against England is something Sanchez will never forget.

“I’ve been in camps and all that for Mexico since April. So I haven’t really been home,” Sanchez said. “All the work was worth it.”

And the journey isn’t over. Mexico, last in its group and in desperate need of a win to advance, plays Wednesday in Ottawa against the French.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION

Wow! Could not be prouder of this amazing girl! Dreams DO come true! Congrats Maria! pic.twitter.com/rjc9IC1ori

— Allison Gibson (@CoachGibson) June 13, 2015

SHE'S GOING IN

— Whitney Peterson (@WhitneyMarie_23) June 13, 2015

Yes!!!!!! She's in!!!!! pic.twitter.com/aDzwj4dFr2

— Allison Gibson (@CoachGibson) June 13, 2015

My teammate is playing the World Cup. No big deal.

— Whitney Peterson (@WhitneyMarie_23) June 13, 2015

LET'S GO! pic.twitter.com/M7gJoPGiXr

— Jerek Wolcott (@Jerekwolcott) June 13, 2015

"Maria looks fast on TV." -Kat

— Whitney Peterson (@WhitneyMarie_23) June 13, 2015

@Maria17_7 is entering the game🇲🇽 so happy for her! MY TEAMMATE IS FAMOUS, SHE PLAYING IN DA WORLD CUP🏆⚽️

— Imi Morreira (@bigtyme_baaybe) June 13, 2015

MY TEAMMATE PLAYED IN HER FIRST WORLD CUP MATCH TODAY AGAINST ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!🐯❤️💚⚽️ #BigSkyChamps2015 @Maria17_7

— Baylee Smithson (@smithson_baylee) June 13, 2015

So so so so so proud of sweet Maria!

— Baylee Smithson (@smithson_baylee) June 13, 2015

so proud of my mija @Maria17_7❤️💚🇲🇽

— lo♡bermudez (@lobermudez) June 13, 2015