FRANCE 98 – Mexique – J. Campos: “My own personal ambition would be to play outfield during the World Cup”

Comments from the MEXICO team training camp in Nangis (Seine et Marne, east of Paris).

Manuel LAPUENTE, MEXICO team coach:

“As far as the refereeing is concerned, there are several problems, particularly regarding the handing out, or not handing out of red cards. I also noticed that not all matches are refereed with the same amount of precision.

For our team, the toughest matches are yet to come. Our immediate objective is to beat the NETHERLANDS (match No. 42 at SAINT-ETIENNE, on the 25 June at 16h00), since it goes without saying that we will be playing to win. When the groups were selected in MARSEILLE on the 4 December 1997, our opponents were happy to have been drawn against us… now they are not so confident. MEXICO is very aware of what is at stake in this with against the Dutch, but we have not lost sight of the fact that we are in France to do far more than simply win this one match; certain people doubt this, but not us.”

Jorge CAMPOS (1), goalkeeper and team captain: “We are now in full training for our match against the NETHERLANDS. We respect the Dutch, who are a dangerous team, accomplished in all aspects of the game. Upon arriving in Europe, two months ago, we came under heavy criticism concerning our friendly matches. Now we have silenced our critics. Our team is very well united and we really believe in our chances. Generally, I think that the level of play in this World Cup is constantly progressing. My own personal ambition would be to play outfield during the World Cup, but at the end of the day it is the coach who will make the decisions… and I’m not going to get my hopes up.”