FRANCE 98 – Chile-Cameroon – P. Mboma: “We'll be be back in four years' time – and we'll go far”

Chile-Cameroon – P. Mboma: “We’ll be be back in four years’ time – and we’ll go far”

23.06.98 19h44 CET

François OMAM BIYICK, captain (7):

“There isn’t much to say, except that we’re disappointed with what has happened. Everybody could see my goal was good, but unfortunately for CAMEROON, the referee disallowed it. We still don’t understand why. There is nothing you can do when a referee’s decision is concerned. Of course, once again people will say that Africans spend their time complaining, but I honestly think that was an unfair decision. In spite of what happened, CAMEROON played a good game against CHILE. The spectators in La Beaujoire stadium didn’t see SALAS (11) or ZAMORANO (9) play today, but they saw top-level Cameroonian players. CAMEROON has been eliminated from this World Cup, but that’s life. Now we have to think about the future: I’m confident we’ll have an even stronger team in four years’ time. Let’s forget all this, we’re on holiday now.”

Patrick MBOMA (10):

“On the move, I passed the ball to OMAM BIYICK (7), who kicked it into the net – I have no idea why the referee refused it. It’s difficult not to be disappointed when you leave a World Cup in such a way. From today’s match, we deserve to play BRAZIL at the Parc des Princes more than the Chileans do. JOB (21) and I could have done with more time to get used to each other. Still, I’ll remember scoring in the World Cup, even if that’s no real comfort. We’ll be back in four years’ time – and we’ll go far.”

Jacques SONGO’O (1):

“The referee decided today that CAMEROON wouldn’t make it to the second round. However, we’ve shown that in spite of the lack of experience of some of our players, we’re a very good team. We’re all wondering how the referee could have disallowed OMAM BIYICK’s (7) goal, which was perfectly valid. It will take us some time before we accept such a slip, but we’re a strong team and we’ll get over it. CAMEROON leaves the World Cup with their heads held high.”

Joseph-Desiré JOB (21):

“This is a big disappointment, the whole team is down. The referees were against us today. Personally, I’m happy to have started this match and I’m satisfied with my performance. At the beginning of the game I was amazed at the speed of the Chilean defence, but I coped.”

 Salomon OLEMBE (20):

“We really can’t accept this unfair decision. The referee will not be welcome in CAMEROON if he wanted to spend a holiday there. We should have beaten CHILE. This World Cup has taught me to see the game in a different light. I didn’t have time to adapt to the other midfielders’ game. However, it has been a tremendous adventure.”