FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes

Match Number 5 KSA – DEN Quotes

“The best players were out there, our confidence was high and we were hoping for the three points. We are obviously very disappointed to have lost this first match, especially after having put in a lot of effort. Nobody likes losing. We were well organised throughout the match. We were composed in defence but we lost too much possession in midfield. Unfortunately we conceded the goal at a moment when the team was well set. Especially since the goal was scored from a situation we should have avoided. It has to be said that we played well against a good DENMARK side who had an excellent game. Of course I’m disappointed, but my players must keep their chins up”.

“I’m very pleased to have won this match. We played extremely well in the first half apart from the last five minutes, when SAUDI ARABIA caused us a few problems close to goal. We kept possession of the ball for long periods of the game, and it was just a pity we didn’t create more chances. We started the second half very well but gradually fear crept in to some of the team’s play outside our penalty box. We can be very satisfied because we could have lost the three points during that period. For our next match against SOUTH AFRICA (Match no.22, 18 June at 17 h 30 in TOULOUSE), we’ll be confident of continuing in the same vein, even though we’ve got a great deal of respect for them”.

Fuad AMIN, captain (6):

“We played well, but the Danes were luckier than us. We weren’t lacking much and also DENMARK is a difficult team to play against. Our team will make its presence felt in Group C. We lost the match because of a defensive error. Up front we tried to push forward when we had the ball. We’re happy with our physical condition and we also dominated towards the end of the match. It won’t be an upset if we beat FRANCE”.

Sami AL JABER (9):

“The Danes had an advantage thanks to their superior strength. We were too slow in attack and we conceded the goal because of a mistake in defence. Now, for the match against FRANCE, we will play as if it’s the final…like we always do”.

Michael LAUDRUP, captain (10) :

“We’ve begun our World Cup very well with this match against SAUDI ARABIA. We absolutely had to win, and we did. The only negative aspect of the game was that we converted so few of chances we had. We would have wanted to score more goals. In the end we only managed to put one in the back of their net. I think we can play a part in this World Cup, even if BRAZIL are much the best side in the tournament. Behind them we’ve got serious competition, what with SPAIN, ITALY and the rest”.

Per FRANDSEN (8):

“It was very important to win this match. Our supporters were completely brilliant, we really felt like we were playing at home. I don’t know if we deserved our win, but that’s football: we needed the three points and we got them. With the score at 1-0, the Saudis still had everything to play for. We showed signs of fatigue in the last fifteen minutes. With five minutes to go, it was very tough for us. First place is still our aim but if we come second, so what, we’d still be through to the second round, and that’s what really matters”.

Ebbe SAND (19):

“The best team won. But we didn’t play the blinder we had hoped for. One goal was enough but we could have scored three or four. It was only the first match. With a few changes we’ll be in top form for our next matches. The Saudis played a good tactical game especially since their coach PARREIRA is capable of breaking down opponents’ play. They can beat any team. As for us, we will probably be under more pressure in our next games. FRANCE are still favourites in this group but I think we will probably get second place”.

Allan NIELSEN (7):

“We couldn’t have hoped for a better start. The team is much more optimistic now. We have the confidence to continue our World Cup challenge. We played well but after the goal we hung back too much. There was a risk that the Saudis would equalise. For our next match against SOUTH AFRICA, our aim is to win again. And if we beat FRANCE it would be fantastic. For the time being we will have a good evening, we are going to celebrate”.