FRANCE 98 – France – Y. Djorkaeff : “Without Zidane, the forwards need to be daring, bold and original”

“The match against DENMARK (no.38, Wednesday 23 June) is important if we don’t want to have to compete against NIGERIA (Group D) or BRAZIL (Group A) in the next rounds. A draw would satisfy everyone, DENMARK as well as FRANCE, but we’re out to win. As for me playing in the match, as I’ve already a yellow card, I don’t think my chances are high. My position and playing style do not favour restraint, and the risk of receiving a second yellow card would be too great.

Refereeing plays an essential role in this World Cup, one which could set the tone for the future of international football. But for this to occur, referees must all be on the same wave-length, which unfortunately does not seem to be the case at the present time.

Since the start of this World Cup, the team which has impressed me the most has been the NETHERLANDS (Group E). And the most impressive player is my friend and teammate Thierry HENRY (12). Thierry has become more strong-willed, this is why he has stood out since the competition began”.

“I’m very happy to be playing back in LYON, at the Stade Gerland, especially with the FRANCE team. I’m very fond of the Lyon Club. This match will be an emotional one for me, especially as my entire family will be in the stands. I think that everyone singing “La Marseillaise” together will be very moving.

The match against DENMARK ought not to be taken lightly. I’m wary of DENMARK: they’re the team which finally made us lose our winning streak. Without Zinedine ZIDANE (10), the forwards need to be daring, bold and original. We must finish first place in Group C to keep the trust our fans have put in us as a result of our performance in the first two matches against SOUTH AFRICA (no.6, 3-0 victory) and SAUDI ARABIA (no.21, 4-0 victory)”.