FRANCE 98 – Saudi Arabia – Carlos Alberto Parreira: “I'm not afraid of any particular opponent”

Comments from the Stadium Nord in Villeneuve d’Ascq (50 km from LENS), after the training session:

– Is the Saudi Arabian team ready two days before the first match against DENMARK (match no. 5, Friday 12 June, 17 h 30 in LENS)?

“The preparation is over, we’re ready. And when I say we’re ready, I mean that we have no injuries, no particular problems, we’re OK”.

– Do you, like many other coaches, see the first match as being of prime importance?

“Our opening match is so important…for ourselves and for everyone else. In fact, this encounter with DENMARK is our final in a way. Qualifying for the World Cup is critical, but make no mistake, this first match is by no means the end of the road. A good result would give us confidence for the remainder of the competition and possibly aim for first place in the group”.

– Can SAUDI ARABIA (in Group C along with FRANCE, DENMARK and SOUTH AFRICA) qualify for the knock-out rounds?

“I’m not afraid of any particular opponent. All four teams, whether strong or less so, have a chance. Obviously, France will be favourites playing at home in their own World Cup, with the public behind them. That will be our most difficult match, but it’s the same for the other teams”.

– Do you think your team will do as well as in 1994, when it was knocked out in the second round by Sweden (1-3)?

“That great run was four years ago, mind you. And weather conditions are not the same here. In the UNITED STATES in 1994, it was 35 degrees which definitely suited Saudi players better. Look at the weather today (Wednesday). It’s raining”.