FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes
Is CROATIA ready for its first ever match in the World Cup finals (against JAMAICA, Group H)?
“I like to think that we are stronger than we were at Euro 1996; we’re more experienced and the younger players have injected new life into the team with their courage and commitment. By contrast with the European Championships, our captain Zvonimir BOBAN (10) is in top condition for this World Cup, as is the rest of the team. Slaven BILIC (6), who had been having problems with his adductors, trained normally today. The injury is nothing more than an unpleasant memory and I’ll be greatly relying on him tomorrow”.
How do you rate your Group H opponents (JAPAN, JAMAICA and ARGENTINA)?
“I have a great deal of respect for all of our opponents. We’ve really got to watch out because none of them is a weak side: JAPAN and JAMAICA are both capable of beating anyone. They both play an aggressive game, and are physically well prepared. I’ve warned my players that these will be difficult matches against tough opponents. We have to be focussed on the three first round matches in order to get through to the second round, which is our main objective. After that, anything’s possible. My squad has a lot to think about: they know that they can go a long way, but they could also fail”.
How did you react to the news of the death of Fernand SASTRE, co-president of the French Organising Committee (CFO)?
“I have been deeply affected by the death of Fernand SASTRE who has been a key figure in European football, and French football in particular, for many years. I would like to offer my condolences to his family, to the French Football Federation (FFF) and to lovers of football in general.”
How is the Jamaican team preparing for Sunday’s match against CROATIA?
“The players are on top form and very calm. I’m trying to make them appreciate that they’re experiencing something that thousands of players would love to experience. They must take advantage of every moment of every day. We’ll have time to think about the match tomorrow”.
Are you afraid of the Croatian team?
“They’re a great team who play wonderful football. If they manage to play to the best of their ability, it will be a difficult game for us. The Croats are more experienced and are stronger than us overall, but we too have talented players. We have borrowed a little something from several teams: philosophy of the game from BRAZIL, professionalism from ENGLAND and aggressiveness from JAMAICA. Aggressiveness in the best sense of the word, of course. It makes a great recipe”.
Does the weather bother you?
“I would, obviously, prefer to play in the warmth of the sun. I just hope we manage to have a great match. We’ll be happy to play seven matches. No-one knows what JAMAICA is capable of”.