FRANCE 98 – Belgium – E. Scifo: “I don't want to be just a stand-in”

Statement made in MONTHIEUX, Golf du Gouverneur

“The draw on Sunday (14 June) against one of the favourites for the tournament, reassured us. Our aim was to get at least a point. I am pleased for the team even if I was a little bit frustrated not to have played. I’m not used to staying on the bench, even though when I was playing at Monaco, it happened to me there. However, it was a different situation, I was coming back from injury, whilst today I’m fully fit.

As for the next match, on Saturday (20 June) against MEXICO, it reminds me of the 1986 World Cup. We started the tournament badly after being dominated and beaten by MEXICO, who were playing at home. However, this didn’t stop us from going to the semi-final stage. If you ask me whether I will be in the starting line-up against Mexico, my objective is clear. I have always fought for my place and I will continue to do so. I don’t want to be just a stand-in.