FRANCE 98 – Germany-Yugoslavia – L. Matthaus: “We have shown that the team is mentally strong”
Germany-Yugoslavia – L. Matthaus: “We have shown that the team is mentally strong” 21.06.98 18h38 CET Jürgen KLINSMANN (18):
“With MIHAJLOVIC’s (11) free-kick, the ball hit my liver. It was extremely painful. For several moments I didn’t know where I was. Very fortunately, it wasn’t serious. I am very happy that we equalised in the second half. If we had played the entire match the way we played the last twenty minutes, we would probably have won. But I think that we reacted well. As far as the first hour of the game goes, that’s a matter for the coach.”
Christian WORNS (2):
“We had enormous problems in midfield. The Yugoslavs created difficulties for us down the left. HEINRICH (3) always had two opponents on his back. Luckily, after TARNAT’s (21) free-kick, the Yugoslavs took their foot off the accelerator. We were not aggressive enough.”
Andreas KÖPKE (1):
At 2-0 down, I honestly thought it would be really difficult, especially as we were up against a very strong team. I am well aware that the second goal was my fault. To try to resolve these problems, I tried to push my defence up at goal kicks, as it was clear that their midfielders had far too much freedom.”
Lothar MATTHÄUS (8):
“We have shown that the team is mentally strong. When I came on, I told my team-mates: I’m here to help, but you must help me too. We tightened things up, and we were able to turn around a situation that was more than merely difficult. We showed the German public a team that never gives up. I’m also proud to have beaten the record for caps in the final rounds of the World Cup. I was congratulated by Antonio Carbajal, the former holder of this record. I’d like to thank him, but I don’t really know him, as we are from different generations.”
Jens JEREMIES (13):
“We showed that we’re very strong mentally. That’s what our supporters expect from their national team. But I am very disappointed with our performance, we didn’t exert enough pressure. We can be happy to have come out with a draw. As far as the next match against IRAN goes, we haven’t yet qualified. But I am convinced we will win.”
Oliver BIERHOFF (20):
“The forwards didn’t receive enough ball during the first half. But we responded well towards the end of the match by altering our tactical system. Now we can think that qualification for the second round is practically in the bag. Whether we finish first or second in the group is relatively unimportant, because at this stage, a new competition begins, and we will have to be ready to play matches of that quality regularly.”
