FRANCE 98 – News Flash Template
Colorado (USA), 5 December, 1997
Transcript from FRANCE 98 Chat with Marcelo Balboa
Sasa: What do you think about USA in this year’s Cup?
Marcelo Balboa says, “I think our chances are good. Playing Germany first and then Iran and Yugoslavia will be a good test for us. Now, we know who we have to prepare for.”
Mert: Mr. Balboa, that’s the third consecutive time U.S are in the World Cup finals. Do you think you get enough experience to be a quarter finalist? And why do the U.S put so much emphasis on defense?
Marcelo Balboa says, “This team has a lot of experience. We’ve had players that have played in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups and now we’re going for our third World Cup. With that experience, it doesn’t necessarily mean we are going to make it into the second round. The team that will make the second round, the quarter-finals and the semi-finals is the team that is peaking at the time of the World Cup. We put a lot of emphasis on defense, because the attack always starts from defending and if they don’t score a goal, then we’ve done our job. If we can keep them 0-0, then we might be able to pull off a goal for 1-0.”
Rbasiri: What do you think the team could improve on?
Marcelo Balboa says, “I think the team needs to improve on playing more as a team than as individuals. We found that out the last three games of qualifying, that playing as a team is more important than playing as individuals and that’s why the team made it to the World Cup.”
Richard: Marcelo, as a veteran of soon to be 3 world championship finals, what do you do to prepare yourself in the few days leading up to the tournament?
Marcelo Balboa says, “I think physically the schedule leading up to the World Cup is most important. That’s the most important thing, that the team doesn’t overwork themselves before the World Cup and that they are peaking during the World Cup. Also, not to put too much pressure on yourself as a player, make sure we have fun because we’re living our dream”
Newyorki: What do you think of the Iranian team?
Marcelo Balboa says, “I really don’t know much about the Iranian team.”
Dutch: ‘Cello, I saw you in Chicago in 93 lose to GER 4-3, with Meola in goal, that was a close score, do you think the opening game will have a better result?
Marcelo Balboa says, “I didn’t play in 93 because I had a torn ACL. I think Tony did a good job that day and we hope that the goalkeeper that plays against Germany this World Cup will have a good day just like Tony did in 93.”
Scott: How do you feel in the game against Canada when Roy Wegerel scored the final goal?
Marcelo Balboa says, “I felt relieved because I found out just two minutes before he scored the goal that Mexico and Costa Rica tied and El Salvador and Jamaica tied, so we knew we were already in the World Cup.”
Mondher: Do you think there is more soccer fun in USA after the last world cup?
Marcelo Balboa says, “I think there is a lot more excitement after the last World Cup. I think it’s shown that with all the fan support of the MLS and all the support we’ve received during World Cup qualifying.”
Dutch: Marcelo, I saw you with the Rapids in Chicago against the Stingers. After the game I offered to buy your uniform off of you, remember? Will you give me your jersey if I ask after a game in France?
Marcelo Balboa laughs hysterically and says, “If you get close to me after one of the World Cup games, I’ll think about it!”
Thom: What’s life like when you’re at the tourney, do you all hang out together, is it team time on and off the pitch?
Marcelo Balboa says, “Yes, we’re very close as a team during tournaments because you have to focus on one thing. We don’t have time to sightsee. The World Cup comes around once every four years and you never know if you’re going to qualify, so you either concentrate for that full month and if you don’t take it seriously, those are the teams that usually go home early.”
Alexdez: Do you think that the US uniforms are better than France’s?
Marcelo Balboa laughs and says, “They’re different! You never know what the U.S. is going to wear in the World Cup!”
Alessandro: How do you respond to people who believe that USA is not going to make it against Germany and Yugoslavia?
Marcelo Balboa says, “I respond to that one the same way I responded when people said in 94 that we wouldn’t beat Columbia — soccer’s a funny game. At any given day, anybody can beat anybody.”
Thom: I think the core defensive unit you guys have now is real strong, how come we can’t field a better offensive unit?
Marcelo Balboa says, “The offensive punch we have now is very good. The only problem we’ve had is that we’ve had a lot of injuries and it hasn’t allowed our forwards to get into a rhythm.”
Spekny: What can the fans in the stands do to help you out on the pitch the most? Some of us will be joining you in France, and we want to help you out!
Marcelo Balboa says, “To help us, wearing red, white and blue helps so we can spot you first of all. Bring in big American flags that you can wave and bring in blow horns and drums like the Brazilians and Europeans — anything that’s loud. I think a key thing that helped us out in Italy, was that before the game, when our bus came to the stadium, they had all the American fans waiting for the bus and they were all cheering us on. The best atmosphere for a soccer game was the atmosphere in Portland when we played and won against Costa Rica — lots of noise, drums, horns for a full 90 minutes.”
“I’d like to thank everyone who sent in questions. I’d like to also apologize that we couldn’t get to all of the questions due to time constraints. Hopefully, the next time we do this, I can get to more questions. I hope to see everybody in France! Best wishes!”