FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes
Match Number 13 ARG – JPN Quotes Takeshi OKADA
“Unfortunately we were not able to score, which was disappointing especially in the context of the World Cup. This made it impossible to either draw or even win the match. We were unable to avoid conceding the goal, and although the players played aggressively, we unfortunately could not score. We already knew that Argentina would be stronger than us, and though we had chances, we didn’t take them. Even though the content of the game was good, it was a bad result. I can’t comment on the referee’s decisions except to say that I think he was very fair to both teams.”
Daniel PASSARELLA
” I feel very satisfied because it is important to win the first match, which is always difficult. I was happy with the performance of the team, but not completely satisfied as we could have done some things better. We controlled certain situations well, and played well overall, especially in the 1st half. In the second half our passing was less precise, with less ball control and we could improve the rhythm of our game. I believe that the Japanese team changed their tactics, knowing that they were facing ARGENTINA. This could explain why the result for them was not what they hoped for.”
Masami IHARA (4), captain of JAPAN (Group H)
“It’s a shame we didn’t win, because we really could have scored. We defended well, but their goal came from a lapse in concentration. However, we didn’t make any other mistakes. The Stadium was full, with many Japanese supporters in the crowd, but we also have many supporters in JAPAN, and we wanted to win for them. We needed a goal, but we didn’t score because we weren’t aggressive enough.”
Masashi NAKAYAMA (9)
This defeat was a real shame, but I hope we will win the next two matches. I’m very happy with the game we produced, but if I don’t score goals, I’m not doing my job. I hope I’ll score in the matches to come. We knew the Argentinians were strong, but we weren’t overawed, and were able to play our game. We are really pleased with our fans who have come all the way from JAPAN. We are proud that they gave us such great support.
Hidetoshi NAKATA (8)
Even during the game we did not feel we were being dominated. We really believed we were going to get something out of the match.”
Naoki SOMA (3)
I can’t express how I feel about the match. At the end of the day we lost. We had several scoring chances, but the Argentinians were more opportunist. We wanted to get the ball into their penalty area, but we weren’t able to equalise All our fans came a long way to support us, and I’m sure our team will get through the first round. The experience we have gained from this match will help us to win the next ones.”
Takashi HIRANO (22)
“In the last ten minutes after I came on, I wanted to create a scoring opportunity, but I couldn’t. We have to be more aggressive. When I came on at 1-0 down, I wanted to equalise because the Argentinians didn’t overly impress me, and I thought we might even win the game. It’s the first game, we were a bit tense.”
Matias ALMEYDA (5)
“The Japanese posed us lots of problems, they are very good players, skilful and quick. One error on either side could have been fatal. That’s why at 1-0 we backed off too much. This style of play doesn’t suit ARGENTINA so to improve our game we’re going to watch the video of the match all next week.”
Ariel ORTEGA (10)
” We started the game badly because we were very anxious, we’d been waiting for this match for a long time. The first match of the competition is the most important, that’s why we wanted to win at any price. The Japanese really wanted to play and prevented us from playing our best football. I hope we will be calmer for the next two games.”
José CHAMOT (3)
“When PASSARELLA put me on after SENSINI’s unfortunate injury, I was very happy. We all know that there are 22 squad members, that’s why I wanted to give everything at the end of this match. However I didn’t think I’d get on the pitch in this game. All week we’ve been discussing with the medical team and we decided that I would be rested against the Japanese. I felt really comfortable as soon as I got on the pitch which makes me very optimistic for the rest of the competition.”
