FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes
“Our second half was the best football we’ve played since the beginning of the World Cup. My players were able to develop the kind of game that I like. I’d like to see them play a whole match like that. In the first half we did not play up to our level. There was even a bit of confusion in the first ten minutes. But we had the good luck that CESAR SAMPAIO (5) scored the first goal and let us settle into our game.”
“CAFU (2) did a good job marking SALAS (11) and kept him from playing his normal game. ROBERTO CARLOS (6) played his best football to date. He was able to go frequently up in attack and play like a real left wing. I am also very happy with RIVALDO (10) and with RONALDO (9), who played his best match so far. But I think he can play even better.”
“CHILE started the match very well. Unfortunately, in its first attack BRAZIL got a free kick and scored a goal. After its second goal; BRAZIL completely relaxed, and we were not able to do a thing against them. It was already a great performance that for the first time in sixteen years CHILE had qualified for the knockout phase of the World Cup. And, in addition, we had to play against the team who will surely go all the way to the finals. But we played without any inferiority complex. We accomplished what we set out to do. Now we’ll have to raise our level for the 2002 World Cup.”
Fernando CORNEJO (19)
“The team came on the field to win, but the first goal was a real blow to us. It was then very difficult to get back into the match. Our first half was good, but BRAZIL is really a good team who played a superb match tonight. I’m satisfied with how far we’ve come in this World Cup, and I’m also very proud of our fans and their support.”
Miguel RAMIREZ (14)
“During this match, we were not as focused as we should have been in playing the defending world champions. The first Brazilian goal really hurt us, because we had got off to a good start. Unlike the previous match, we didn’t develop a team game. I’m proud to have been part of this squad. I think that CHILE’s next selection will have to build on the success we had here.”
Ivan ZAMORANO (9)
“No doubt we lost to a future finalist of this competition. We were a little nervous before going onto the pitch, and the first Brazilian goal further sapped our confidence. All the same, I am satisfied with CHILE’s performance. It required a real team effort to reach the round of sixteen. We appreciate the warm support by the French people, especially in BORDEAUX. FRANCE has done a wonderful job in organising the World Cup. This competition has highlighted the success of South American teams other than the usual favourites, ARGENTINA and BRAZIL.”
Marcelo SALAS (11)
“We played well at first. We were able to hold our own against Brazil for the first ten minutes. But then BRAZIL took control by playing up to their true level. I scored four goals in the World Cup, but I owe that above all to my team-mates, who laid on good passes for me. I learnt a lot during this Cup. I’ve gained in confidence, and this Cup has been an enriching experience for CHILE, since we have been able measure up to European teams.”
BEBETO (20)
“We will continue to play with the same determination as we did today. Now it’s a matter of winning and winning. We’re not going to get big-headed. Unlike ZAGALLO, I preferred the first half, since we scored three goals. I’d rather BRAZIL play badly but win. We had a bit of luck in scoring the first goal quickly. We played better as a team than in the other games.”
TAFFAREL (1)
“We were very determined during this match. The number of goals is not as important as the way we played. I think the team has played very well, despite getting off to a nervous start.”
RIVALDO (10)
“This was Brazil’s best match. We were able to keep up the momentum after a good start. Of course, during the second half we were better organised and played better as a team. And I think winning is taking some pressure off and that is reflected in our game. We’re making fewer errors in our passes, and that makes us even more hungry to score. We were better positioned in the second half. In fact, after the first goal we relaxed a bit. I’m certain that we’re going to make the Brazilian supporters happy.
CESAR SAMPAIO (5)
“There was no shortage of scoring opportunities. The first goal came from a move that we had worked on a great deal in training. We’re going have to keep working and perfect the gift that God has given us — the gift of playing football. I also thank God for this win… and the coach for the confidence that he has placed in me. We’re one step closer to our objective.”
ROBERTO CARLOS (6)
“I’m pleased that the coach said I was BRAZIL’s best player tonight. I’ve always wanted to score a goal against CHILE, and I’m getting closer and closer. My father taught me that anything worthwhile requires hard work. Today I got to play left wing, and I felt as though I was back playing for Real Madrid, thanks to the support of RONALDO (9) and DUNGA (8). I’m also very happy for RONALDO who broke the spell that was hanging over him.”
RONALDO (9)
“It was BRAZIL’s best match so far. I really wanted to score. These goals tasted sweet, but they just whetted my appetite for more. I have some new opponents: the posts. If those two shots had not ricocheted off the posts, I would have been among the top goalscorers of the World Cup. Today you saw a fast, creative and unbridled BRAZIL side. That’s the BRAZIL that everyone wants to see. My goals paved the way to victory. When the team helps me, I can help the team.”