FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes

Match Number 55 ARG – ENG Quotes

“The match tonight against ENGLAND was very open, especially when ENGLAND had to play with only ten players. From that moment on they played defensively and counter attacked. They showed themselves to be a very solid and strong team with two outstanding strikers. About our second goal, our set piece was perfectly prepared with VERON (11) and ZANETTI (22) who controlled the ball well and know how to successfully conclude a free kick. ENGLAND played in typical English way, a very solid team. Even though they lost one player we were always struggling. This was undoubtedly the toughest second round game so far. As for our next opponent HOLLAND, we have already studied them on tape and we sent people to the game. We’ll start work as from tomorrow and we are well aware that the quarterfinals will be just as tough. About substituting Gabriel BATISTUTA (9) by Hernan CRESPO (19), you make up your mind in the heat of the moment. We made a lot of mistakes that we don’t usually make, probably due to rushing, when you are dying to score. When you want to win like we wanted to win, fatigue becomes secondary. From now on the players will be on light training so that they can recover. As for Carlos ROA (1), he once again showed us his potential. He had everybody’s confidence for the penalty shoot out and we are happy to qualify against a team that played such a tough open and fast game.”

“Tonight’s result is disappointing for ENGLAND. We knew that the match against ARGENTINA would be tough but we were hoping that it would be our night. We can’t put all the blame on David BECKHAM (7); we handled ourselves very well without him. The players gave everything they had, the whole team played really well. The whole country can be very proud of their performance. With eleven against eleven, the match would have been quite different. After equalising, my players’ football got much better. You can’t force someone to take a penalty; I asked David BATTY (8) if he wanted to take it and he accepted. Losing is very hard to take, but we have to look to the future. We have some lessons to learn from this match, as we had some problems with our concentration. It’s a very strange emotion to end with, losing on penalties. To lose like this is always very hard. We wish ARGENTINA good luck for the rest of the tournament.”

David SEAMAN (1):

“We did what we could, and it was a performance in itself to have played a man down for such a long-time, without being too tired. It was a very difficult match and we were really very unlucky. It’s a shame it had to go down to penalties.”

Gareth SOUTHGATE (6):

“We played very positively, but unfortunately, we were one man down on the pitch. I’m really disappointed to have lost. As for David BECKHAM’s (7) red card, don’t worry, he’s fine, we are friends and we’re going to go out together this evening all the same. I’m sure that tomorrow will be a very sad day. But we have to look ahead: the team is put together with young, promising players. It’s sad to lose like this, but we needn’t be ashamed as we showed the team’s true potential.”

David BATTY (8):

“We were very worked up during the match. After the penalty, we stayed positive. Personally, I feel a bit cheated by the result. It’s a big disappointment for the whole team as we played really well. It was very difficult playing 10 against 11, but that’s when we had the most chances in midfield to recover the ball and cause problems for the ARGENTINE defence.”

Gary NEVILLE (12):

“I haven’t yet watched the replay so I can’t say whether the refused goal was fair. It’s terrible to lose on a penalty shoot out, especially as we played really well. It was very difficult to continue after David BECKHAM (7) was sent off, but we were lucky Michael OWEN (20) scored a fantastic goal. At 18, he’s a very gifted player. As for ARGENTINA, they’ll be difficult to beat and could well get through to the finals.”

Darren ANDERTON (14):

“We showed that we can play very well and this is what we did tonight. It’s a shame, as now we have to go home. Michael OWEN (20) wanted to be a very good player, but today it showed that he was fantastic. I am very disappointed. You always feel a bit cheated when you lose after a penalty shoot-out.”

Paul MERSON (15):

“We played very well and everyone gave their best. With only a ten-man team, we didn’t think it was a handicap and all in all, I’m satisfied despite our defeat. In fact we could have played even longer without being able to score. One small regret, however, in my opinion the two penalties were not justified whilst the referee could have given a penalty against the handball committed by an Argentinian. Congratulations to ARGENTINA, but they haven’t won yet. OWEN is an exceptional player and he scored a goal that was out of this world.”