FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes
Match Number 15 ROM – COL Quotes Anghel IORDANESCU :
“I would like to thank all of the spectators who supported us throughout the match and express on behalf of the whole team our satisfaction. This match was particularly important to us because many players were participating for the first time in a final phase of the World Cup. It was an intelligent victory. During the first half we had lots of chances. In the second half there were some difficult moments but we tried to maintain our lead despite being tired.
I had a good impression of Colombian football particularly thanks to Carlos VALDERRAMA (10) and Faustino ASPRILLA (11). The COLOMBIA team is a good representative of South American football. The team has a good idea of the game and thanks to short passes and strong techniques it challenges the counter-attack. Once again, Colombian football is of very good quality. I wish the team good luck for the rest of the competition”.
Hernan Dario GOMEZ:
” It was a difficult game. I had the impression the players lacked cohesion and clarity despite coming forward well in the first half with good control of the ball. They were a lot less apprehensive in the second half. However, the team was unlucky. For our next match against Tunisia, we will train hard as the match will be difficult but we play well together, we will continue to work closely on the pitch and train with the sole objective of winning. We lost today because of a lack of cohesion. This match was similar to the one we lost against TUNISIA during the previous World Cup in 1994. Next time we will do our utmost to win”.
Freddy RINCON (19):
“Despite losing, we are happy with the game. We felt good when we were in possession. We shouldn’t forget that it was our first match. Our team did its best. We created a lot of chances but unfortunately luck wasn’t with us today. We have no other options – we now need a victory”.
Farid MONDRAGON (22):
“Despite everything, we can be satisfied with this match, because for many of us it was our first World Cup. Following the ROMANIA goal, which was very lucky and perhaps unintentional, in the second half, we were able to play our normal game. Nothing is decided after only one match, no-one has qualified or been eliminated”.
Gheorghe HAGI (10):
“ROMANIA played well, we’ve now gained experience. Our team can be compared to the one in 1994, well balanced in all aspects of the game. Having said that, nothing has been decided, COLOMBIA could win the next two matches. We are now going to prepare for the next match against ENGLAND which is a well-rounded team and might prove difficult to play against. As for me, I believe that this will be my last World Cup”.
Adrian ILIE (11):
“It was important for us to start with a win, all the more so since I scored the first goal. Our team has a good balance of experienced and young players who give us boldness and speed. I hope to score more goals during the World Cup to become better known internationally “.
Viorel MOLDOVAN (9):
“We’ve gained three points today and that’s the most important thing. In the first half we had several chances to increase our lead. This victory was psychologically very important. It will help us to prepare for our next match against ENGLAND in Toulouse. This week we will do our utmost to be on top form because we’ll be playing for the first place in the group. I would have liked to have scored today but maybe another day”.
Dorinel MUNTEANU (8):
“It’s a first class World Cup. Our win gives us hope for the future. Our team has real potential and lots of ambition. We hope to have a good match against ENGLAND; The match against COLOMBIA was one without problems even it is not reflected in the score. I was happy with my performance despite playing at left back, which is not my usual position. “.
