FRANCE 98 – France-South Africa – A. Jacquet: “The France team responded to the hopes of the French public”

Aimé JACQUET, coach of the FRANCE team (Group C):

“We are very satisfied to have beaten a very strong African team. Both teams deserve special praise for putting on an excellent show in such dreadful conditions. Such a violent wind can be dangerous for a team who has everything to prove. The FRANCE team responded to the hopes of the Marseille crowd and the French public.

Now the door is wide open.

We have to believe in the FRANCE team, often criticised by certain members of the press.

I’ve prepared very well for this World Cup. Football should be taken on a professional level. You have to constantly remind yourself to be realistic.

Next up, we have a very difficult match against SAUDI ARABIA (Group C), and we should remain very humble.”