FRANCE 98 – Morocco – N. Naybet: “People have a tendency to under-estimate us”
Morocco – N. Naybet: “People have a tendency to under-estimate us” 15.06.98 21h14 CET Comments from NANTES
Noureddine NAYBET, captain (6):
“We’ll be playing against the best team in the world, but we have our own strengths too. That’s why we’re confident, even though I think people have a tendency to under-estimate us. I’m happy to return to the Beaujoire stadium, particularly under these conditions and I count on the support of the public and my friends in NANTES.”
Smahi TRIKI (5):
“I think that all the players in the team are ready for this match. We are not going to increase our defence, unless Henri MICHEL decides to change tactics. Playing against BRAZIL is no different to me than playing NORWAY. We’re going to play our game, we’re going to do our best – because one small thing could decide the match. This meeting will be a good one to watch, it definately won’t be the end of us. It’s 50/50.”
Youssef ROSSI (4):
“I’m not focusing particularly on RONALDO, who I’ll be marking. Against him, I won’t be able to stop to think. With BEBETO and RONALDO too, BRAZIL have enormous offensive potential. I’m happy because I’ll be supported by a lot of people from Rennes.”
Moustafa EI HADJI (7):
“The meeting against BRAZIL should enable us to prepare ourselves for the game against SCOTLAND. If we play like we did against NORWAY, we could still hope to defeat the world champions. We’ve begun this World Cup well but it’s always difficult to seal it. Whatever happens, the meet will be spectacular and all Moroccans will have their eyes riveted on us.”
Rachid NEQROUZ (13):
“We have to keep our world rating (13th). It’s the image of the Moroccan team that’s at stake. But BRAZIL plays a completely different game from NORWAY. The Brazilians can in effect change their game from one minute to the next because of their individuality. If we’re to win, we absolutely have to concentrate for the whole ninety minutes.”
