FRANCE 98 – France – S. Guivarc'h: “I'm obsessed with goals”

Statements from Clairefontaine (south-west of PARIS)

“I approached the quarterfinals as best I could, which wasn’t easy considering I was off for two weeks. For the hour I was on the pitch I felt really good. And now I feel better about my knee (which GUIVARC’H injured during the match against SOUTH AFRICA on 12 June).

The booking I received was unjustified because the referee misinterpreted my movement. The foul was completely unintentional, and in no way did I want to hurt CANNAVARO (4).

I’d like to take my hat off to the youngest players, who offered to kick the penalties.

It’s true that I have yet to score a goal, but the team’s performance and winning are what’s most important, not individual goals. Aimé JACQUET (national team coach) told us to take more shots, particularly from a distance. Like all strikers, I’m obsessed with goals. That will pay off one day.

Playing against CROATIA will be very exciting. I’m looking forward to the match and can’t wait to play. I think the Croatians will come at us with the same game plan that the Italians used against us. I’m very confident that we can win because we’re ready to play and we play together.

It’s an honour to have matched the successes of former FRANCE teams (FRANCE played in the semi-finals in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups). Aimé JACCQUET proved all of his critics wrong. Today, FRANCE is a force to be reckoned with.

After the World Cup I’m going to play in Newcastle, England. I love the atmosphere in English stadiums, and I can’t wait to be a part of it all.”