FRANCE 98 – France – SouthAfrica – Lizarazu: “Mission accomplished”

France – SouthAfrica – Lizarazu: “Mission accomplished”

13.06.98 00h39 CET

Thierry HENRY (12)

“I hope the French will have been satisfied with our performance. Personally, I think I justified the coach’s confidence. It’s never easy for a team to be in form for a first match, but I was able to express myself on the pitch. My first thoughts when I scored were for my family.”

Emmanuel PETIT (17)

“

We were expecting a hard match and we beat them at their own game. We have our own battle-cry in the changing room. Now, we’re going to savour this moment, and tomorrow, we’ll start concentrating on the next match. Everyone has to pull in the same direction. I was pleased with my own game, and felt in top form. It’s hard to play in such conditions, but the atmosphere helped us. It was electric. As in ENGLAND, the public, like the wind, swept us along.”

Lionel CHARBONNIER (22)

“It was good taking part in this match. Those on the bench had the same desire as those on the pitch, but we mustn’t get carried away. This is only the beginning. Aimé JACQUET was very tense, because he knew the players had trained to the maximum. It’s a natural pressure for coaches.”

Bixente LIZARAZU (3)

“Mission accomplished. These three points won are very important. I’m very satisfied. Now, we’ll have the French supporters’ rallying behind the FRANCE team which puts the players in a great state of mind. We’ve had a great evening. The most important thing is to qualify.”