Netherlands-Argentina – D. Passarella: “I consider our performance to have been extremely positive”

“The match was very intense, especially in the first half when each team had the opportunity to take control of the ball. In the second half, I think the NETHERLANDS team had a bit more ball control than we did and forced us to pull back. Our players’ physical fatigue in the wake of the match against ENGLAND was also noticeable. We nonetheless had numerous counter-attack opportunities while we took control of the game and they were generally in our favour. There was an unfortunate foul that I did not see clearly. I can’t say whether or not there was a penalty, but it deprived us of one of our players and allowed the Dutch to score.

There were two ARGENTINA teams, one in the first half and one in the second. I think that it is more a question of physical condition than of ball control. We did not completely recover after the extremely intense match against ENGLAND in SAINT-ETIENNE. Other than the fact that we had one less day of rest than our adversary, it is natural that we confront more difficult teams as we advance in the competition, and the NETHERLANDS are a very good team. We were in a very difficult situation because we played an excellent ENGLAND team in the Round of Sixteen match, and the same situation presented itself again today.

I consider our performance to have been extremely positive. We maintained our ranking perfectly; we played on the same level as the ‘big boys’. As for set pieces, everyone tries them; sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. As I’ve already said many times, our objective was to be among the top four teams. We were not able to accomplish this, but we played very well anyway.

I’ve said many times that now the four best have been selected, they are unquestionably good. I think FRANCE and BRAZIL will have an advantage over the other two teams who have one less day to rest. I believe that this can have a certain effect on the outcome at this level of the competition. I have no favourites. All I can say is ‘may the best win.’ “