FRANCE 98 – Colombia-Tunisia – C. Valderrama: “We won on our own merits”

Colombia-Tunisia – C. Valderrama: “We won on our own merits”

22.06.98 20h48 CET

Carlos VALDERRAMA, captain (10):

“It was a tough ninety minutes. This evening TUNISIA (Group G) played a fast game which is unlike ours. The Tunisians were unlucky today, but we won on our own merits. COLOMBIA winning here in MONTPELLIER is very important to me and my family. Of course we suffered from the heat, but then again both teams had the same problem. As far as our third match against ENGLAND in LENS is concerned, we’re aiming to win. We can’t go out looking for a draw, because that’s a sure-fire way of not getting through to the next stage. We have some fresh players, especially forwards, who are ready to give it their all to get past the first round.”

Ever PALACIOS (3):

“We played better in the second half, we were more accurate and that’s why we scored. This one little goal is worth three points. We were over moon when Leider PRECIADO (21) scored. We’re going into the ENGLAND match with an unshakeable belief in our ability to win.”

Harold LOZANO (8):

“It’s hard to draw any conclusions. However, it was very hot this afternoon and that really took it out of us physically. The substitutes proved that they could play a good game whenever needed.”

Jorge BOLANO (14):

“It’s a narrow victory which gives us three points and gives us hope of staying in the competition. We’re a really good team, now we have to forget TUNISIA and think of ENGLAND. We’ll pull out all the stops to beat them.”

José SANTA (4):

“Because of the booking I got, I’m going to be suspended for the next match. I think this yellow card was really unfair.”

Wilmer CABRERA (13):

“It doesn’t matter who we play against if we get through to the last sixteen–it’s do or die. Today our game was more open than usual, we had a lot of chances and were lucky enough to score.”