FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes
Match Number 28 ARG – JAM Quotes “Many red cards have been issued in the last few matches – one in each match – but I can’t complain about the decisions made against my team. The Argentineans have more experience and they know how to foul without getting caught, but on the whole, I am satisfied with the refereeing. I decided to use a zonal defence instead of individual marking because of the “red card fever” prevalent over the last few matches. Despite this severe defeat, I am pleased with my team and their play, and if anyone can avoid letting in fewer than four goals against a giant like ARGENTINA, they should consider themselves lucky. They are certainly one of the ten best sides in the world.”
“We were really hoping to win this match so as not to have to worry about our encounter with CROATIA, but we didn’t think we would win with such a large goal margin. I think that ARGENTINE played a great match with good timing and excellent ball control. We were able to raise our game at the right time, which kept JAMAICA from playing their game. We have improved a great deal compared to our match against JAPAN, where we felt the pressure which is always present in the first match of the World Cup. But we’ve been able put that behind us. It was an excellent victory and a good match. That will give us confidence for our future matches. BATISTUTA (9) well deserved his three goals. He’s in good form and enjoys the support of the rest of the team. It is a personal victory for him, but that’s not of primary importance. What really matters to him is that ARGENTINA makes it into the World Cup final. Regarding SENSINI’s (6) injury, it is a bit too early to say. He has some pain in his left thigh, an ultrasound will be performed tomorrow and we will then know how long he’ll be out. Up till now we’ve been focused only on the match against JAMAICA. Our strategy is to take each match one at a time and take the team as far as possible.”
Juan VERON (11):
“I’d like to wish our coach, Daniel Alberto PASSARELLA, a happy Fathers’ Day, since he is an essential element in our victory. We played a very good match against a tough and physical side. After our match against JAPAN it was clear that we had a large margin for improvement and could play a lot better. In this match we moved the ball around well, created lots of space and kept up a good rhythm.”
Marcelo GALLARDO (20):
“We have made a good impression against JAMAICA . Our team has enormous potential and has some great players. It’s a lot easier of course when you have numerical superiority as we had in the second half. But we played well right form the start of the match. Daniel PASSARELLA asked me to come in for Claudio LOPEZ (7) to move the ball about more and give a service to the attack.”
Claudio LOPEZ (7):
“We played a superb match, much better than against JAPAN. We were able to move the ball forward and take advantage of having lots of attacks — which showed up in the number of goal-scoring opportunities we created. I won’t lose any sleep over Marcelo GALLARDO (20) coming in for me in the 75th minute. I think that the coach’s decision was intended to enable the team to move the ball more effectively. And I respect that.”
