FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes

Match Number 63 HOL – HRV Quotes

“In my mind, it was a well-deserved victory. It was very tough, particularly because the NETHERLANDS side is probably the best team in the world. We had to be both strong and intelligent to win. I would also like to congratulate our captain Zvonimir BOBAN (10) who was able to direct the offence and also, from a personal standpoint, battled admirably. Our objective was to be the third-ranked team world-wide. I decided on a counter-attack strategy because of the strength of our opponent. My players followed the game-plan perfectly. We are very proud of this victory. The show we put on during this World Cup enabled the entire world to become better acquainted with our little country.”

“I’m very disappointed. We would have liked to finish the World Cup without a single defeat. It is a pity we lost, because we played tonight just like we have throughout the entire tournament. We really wanted the third place, but we were defeated by the counter-attack. We must improve our tactical approach because we cannot afford to lose from a counter-attack in competitions of such prestige. I brought in Marc OVERMARS (14) as a third striker but that simply wasn’t enough. He is a very capable player and it is unfortunate we haven’t been able to take advantage of his talents more often.

“We have often been told that we played a very attractive football during the tournament. I am very happy that the public appreciated our efforts. Joseph BLATTER and Michel PLATINI also told me that they were impressed with our play. I am touched by such a compliment. I think we have had an exceptional World Cup. It certainly provided our players with an unforgettable experience.”

Match #63: NETHERLANDS-CROATIA, statements from NETHERLANDS team players

Edwin VAN DER SAAR (1):

“I think that we have a team that can play together for many years to come, and in ten years the same players may still be very competitive. But that is the distant future — I admit that it was far more important to win this World Cup, something we just weren’t able to pull off.”

Patrick KLUIVERT (9):

“We didn’t play up to our potential in our last match. The red card that I got playing against BELGIUM really penalised me and hurt the team for the rest of the tournament. But I feel I still played at a very high level at times, which gratifies me. I am also pleased to see that the international press has reported that we played the most attractive football of the entire tournament. I think they are right, but what really counts is to score goals. As to my future, I don’t know if English football suits me, but I would like to play there — for a club like Arsenal for example.”

Ronald DE BOER (7):

“Now that the World Cup is finished, it is time to think about the future. I want to leave Ajax. It’s time for me to play somewhere else. It’s up to Ajax to set a price for me and my brother, and see which teams react to their proposal. I have learned a lot at Ajax and I like the team. I also hope that my departure will not cause any problems. I know that Arsenal is currently waiting in the wings, but I am open to offers from other teams if they express interest in me.”

Davor SUKER (9):

“This medal has made me very happy, and my six goals even more so. We never thought we’d make the semi-final. For us, this is as good as a final. It won’t hit us until tomorrow, when we arrive in our homeland. We are too isolated over here to appreciate the passion which has engulfed our country. My shot? VAN DER SAAR (NETHERLANDS – 1) was powerless to stop it.”

Aliosa ASANOVIC (7):

“We are the third best team in the world. We’ve achieved something incredible, which won’t be easy to do again. We’ve spent 50 days together, and we came very close to realising our dream against FRANCE…(sighs). My glasses? No, I can assure you that I don’t need them to put in a good pass!”

“I think it’s a shame that the public booed BILIC (6). It was a silly mistake, and people should understand that. All our players were upset about the sending off of Laurent BLANC (5). I regret this attitude even more because we were very touched by the warm reception we were given by the French during the tournament. We love France, and I guarantee you that for tomorrow’s Final against BRAZIL, my entire team will give a thumbs up for France.”