FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes
Match Number 38 FRA – DEN Quotes Bo JOHANSSON :
“I think that we can be very happy about our qualification for the last 16. This was a very strange match because of its special nature; that’s why I chose this team line-up. I’m very pleased because everything went well.
FRANCE is by far one of the best teams in the competition. The match was difficult. We had some good attacking phases and some hard work to do in defence. For the next match against NIGERIA (Group D), we may change our tactics. I know this team well, and their style of play suits our game. They will be the favourites and we will be the underdogs. We like being in this position and are hopeful of a positive result.”
Aimé JACQUET
“We’re very happy about this win with a changed team, for the reasons that everybody is aware of. The match followed the natural progression of our two previous matches. Each player played his part to the full. We fully displayed our skills against the well-known DENMARK team (Group C) who have a great deal of talent and athletic ability that can make life difficult for the opponent. With Brian LAUDRUP (11) and Michael LAUDRUP (10), the Danes know how to get out of any critical situation. During the first half, we weren’t clear-headed enough to take advantage of the situation. But determination and an overall structure to our play made the difference. It was a great day.
The last 16 match will be an all-or-nothing situation where anything can happen. However, with the confidence that we’ve built up, we can move on with a positive outlook”.
Thomas HELVEG (6):
“We didn’t play well today. The French kept possession of the ball from us. It’s a very strong team, especially at the back with Marcel DESAILLY (8), Christian KAREMBEU (19) and also Youri DJORKAEFF (6). I think they will go far in the competition. It’s my 27th birthday today; the qualification for the last 16 is a superb present. We are expecting a very hard match on Sunday 28 June at the Stade de France against NIGERIA (Group D) who were very impressive in their first two matches. They are a very skilful team. The fact that we are going to play at 21h00, will be an advantage for us because today I found it very difficult to play in the heat.”
Peter SCHMEICHEL (1):
“The FRANCE team is one of the best that I have played against for a long time. They controlled the game for the most part and they know how to keep possession of the ball. It’s a difficult team to destabilise. We now move into another tournament. I’ve got nothing in particular to say about the NIGERIA (Group D) team because from now on all the matches are crucial and therefore difficult to call.”
Brian LAUDRUP (11):
“The FRANCE team played very well and I must admit that they are one of the best sides in the world. As far as we’re concerned, we played very well considering the great importance of this match. But we are happy about our qualification and exhausted from the heat. After we came back to one all, we played for the draw in vain in the second half. Personally, I suffered having to play on my own up front against two great players.”
Michael LAUDRUP (10):
“We did what had to be done, we’re going to meet NIGERIA (Group D) on Sunday 28 June. They are a very good team that we don’t know very well. As far as today’s game is concerned, we played well and, as a result, we equalised. Afterwards, we showed our skills although we should have won more possession to develop our game. FRANCE (Group C) are a skilful team who keep hold of the ball. We can expect to see the same against NIGERIA.
Didier DESCHAMPS (7):
“The team has maintained its momentum. We had to face a difficult opponent here today. In the first half, we conceded a goal due to a lack of concentration. But we were able to control our game. We are top of the group. However, each match from now on is a final. Personally, I would prefer to avoid SPAIN (Group D).”
Zinedine ZIDANE (10):
“Our mission is accomplished. We are on the right track. Mentally, my situation was very hard to deal with. I was so close to the pitch, so close to the action, and yet I couldn’t do anything. This suspension allows me to recuperate and rest my thigh. The public really appreciated the performance. Emmanuel PETIT (17), Marcel DESAILLY (8) played very well. The aim was for everybody to get a game. They all rose to the challenge.”
Alain BOGHOSSIAN (14):
“It’s a perfect outcome as we’ve played three and won three, which wasn’t all that easy. We have to continue in this attacking style because the next matches are going to be a knock-out situation and we can’t afford to lose. All the team feel involved because, for us, you need 22 players to win a World Cup”.
Emmanuel PETIT (17):
“We are satisfied; the contract has been fulfilled. Psychologically, it was important for me to get rid of this image of a bad luck charm. The goal that I scored in the second half is more important for the team than for me. We have played three matches that were exciting for the public to watch and what’s more, we won. Today’s match has allowed us to bond with our public once and for all. The substitutes played their part well and the idea of shuffling the team around as we did today, keeps everybody concentrated and involved. For the last 16, I would rather play against PARAGUAY (Group D) than SPAIN (Group D).”
Youri DJORKAEFF (6)
“It was brilliant to play this World Cup match in LYON and to score my first goal in the Cup in my home town. I knew that my family and friends were in the stands. I saw my son for the first time in over a month. The LYON crowd were waiting for me and I was moved by their welcome.”
Thierry HENRY (12)
“My opponents now know what to expect, but that doesn’t change anything for me on a mental level because I always do everything I can so that I can leave the pitch with my head held high. It’s not easy to come on half way through the game but the crowd helped me by cheering my name. There’s a lot of good spirit in this French team; we really are a squad of 22 players. There are no substitutes.”
