FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes
Match Number 58 BRA – DEN Quotes Bo JOHANSSON:
“We tried to attack as much as possible. Its over now, its been a fantastic adventure that only a few people have a chance to experience – even if we didn’t win we had good time. We’ll have other adventures like this, and we can take honour from this performance and the other games we’ve played, even if we weren’t all that good at the beginning of the tournament. I’m very pleased when I see the way Michael L AUDRUP (10) and others in the Danish team play – taking free kicks quickly, not wasting time – it is a shame that a player of the calibre of Michael L AUDRUP will not be playing any longer after this. Normally I prefer the teams we beat, but of course the Brazilians are definitely top class – but FRANCE has a fantastic team too.”
Mario ZAGALLO :
“First of all, I phoned home to speak to my wife and kids to tell them what a tough game it was. It was a hard game as DENMARK were dignified opponents. We won 3-2, but DENMARK could have easily won 3-2 as well. It was a very difficult victory, a victory of power and will, by a team who knew how to win but had a dignified Danish team to overcome. The match was an example of two teams playing an open-minded game. It was a match that showed how football should be played in the World Cup. The BEBETO (20) / DENILSON (19) substitution was to counter the amount of space that DENMARK’s number 12 (COLDING) had. And RIVALDO (10) was substituted because of a slight muscle pain and a hint of cramp. There’ll be no holidays for BRAZIL before the next match, and to reserve energy there’ll be no training tomorrow – we’re going swimming instead. We’ll be training on Sunday – and, yes, that will be open to the press. Tonight was the hardest game, it was very tense and took a lot out of me. I’m very tired now – but very happy.”
RIVALDO (10):
“We handled ourselves well against DENMARK, now we’re ready for the semi-final. I don’t feel like I was the star of the match even though I scored two goals. The players who score are always the most visible, but I simply took advantage of the opportunities given to me. I dedicate this victory to the whole team. RONALDO (9) should be happy that he created two chances. For the second goal his pass to me was brilliant because I had plenty of time to control it before shooting. I’m proud that I scored past SCHMEICHEL (1) as the Dane is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”
RONALDO (9):
“Even if I didn’t score, I’m happy with the excellent pass I gave RIVALDO (10). We’ve just gone one step further on the road to the final. I’m satisfied with our performance so far but it’s still not enough. As you can see for yourself it wasn’t easy. We suffered considerably against the Danes and it’s up to us now to make the most of the next few days to recuperate. I’m still very confident about the World Cup.”
LEONARDO (18):
“
The football displayed by the two countries tonight was quite superb. Faced by an excellent Danish team, every Brazilian player played his part – it was a real lesson in how attacking football should be played. DENMARK’s good start to the match stunned us a bit but in the end our team spirit shone through. Now we’ve only two matches left in order to become, once again, World Champions. It would be great to meet the Tricolours in the final at the Stade De France.”
BEBETO (20):
“
I put a lot into preparing myself for this World Cup. I had to prove that I was vital to the Seleçao by playing well for Botafogo. This is the last competition for both DUNGA (8) and myself so every meeting has particular significance. My emotion overcame me when I left the pitch and the captain applauded and congratulated me. God is the most important thing to me, but in my opinion this Brazilian squad is the best this country has ever known.”
Brian LAUDRUP (11):
“Before the match we all agreed that we wanted to play attractive football against BRAZIL, even if we didn’t win. Although we did lose tonight, I think we still made it difficult for them. Both teams had space to play, which made it a good game for the spectators. I think the fans who were in La Beaujoire stadium tonight will be happier than those who went to see FRANCE play ITALY. I can’t understand how teams like GERMANY and ITALY, who haven’t played a single good match, have reached this stage of the competition. Tonight, largely due to us, the Brazilians can say they’ve played some of their best football so far. In spite of losing, I’m happy for my brother, it was a great way for him to finish his career.”
Martin JORGENSEN (21):
“This evening, we believed to the last minute that we could win, especially when Brian LAUDRUP (11) scored. We’re unfortunately leaving this World Cup now, with a lot of regret. Our last two matches have been spectacular and tonight we’ve shown that we can play a ‘Brazilian’ game. I’m very happy I scored but that’s a small consolation in defeat.”
Peter SCHMEICHEL (1):
“It’s never easy to lose and I’m very sad we have to leave. Still, I’m convinced that we could have won this match with a bit more luck. We shouldn’t be ashamed of losing to BRAZIL, a team who will probably win the World Cup.”
Per FRANDSEN (8):
“We played very well. With this game DENMARK ended the World Cup on a high note, but this doesn’t take away the disappointment of losing. BRAZIL are an incredible team: they had four chances in the match and scored three goals. But we always knew we had a hope of winning, which kept us going until the end. This marks the end of Michael LAUDRUP’s (10) career – in him we’re losing a great player, which is a real loss for DENMARK”.
