France – A. Jacquet: “This match has given the France team a huge psychological boost”

Statements from Clairefontaine, at 15h00, Monday 29 June

Aimé Jacquet, the FRANCE team coach

“It was a victory for generosity, effort and above all heart. The PARAGUAY team were very impressive defensively, and the way they used their technique to play their way out of defence showed rare intelligence. This match has given the FRANCE team a huge psychological boost. This win shows us we’re on the right track. The players had the will to win and managed to excel themselves. The team staff were able to revive all those who were flagging and failing to rise to the challenge. The PARAGUAY team demonstrated a spirit of self-sacrifice that I had not seen during my entire career as a coach.

Robert PIRES (11) added a lot to the squad when he came on, thanks to his freshness and direct running. However, he still isn’t playing to his full potential.

Zinedine ZIDANE (10) couldn’t sit still on the bench. After the victory he was the happiest of all of us.”