FRANCE 98 – Yugoslavia – D. Stojkovic: “Lot of people say that we could go all the way to the final but we're staying cool-headed”

Yugoslavia – D. Stojkovic: “Lot of people say that we could go all the way to the final but we’re staying cool-headed”

22.06.98 18h45 CET

Comments from Saint Galmier

Ivica KRALJ (1), goalkeeper

“The match against the USA will be difficult. We have a great deal of respect for the American players, as they got into the World Cup, they must be a good team. Nevertheless, we’re not really afraid of any American player in particular. We were surprised by the result against IRAN; we were expecting a draw or an American victory.

Goran DJOROVIC (3)

“The Germans took advantage of the two set pieces. We were the best on the pitch. The German set-up has a lot of good players who never give up and they proved just that yesterday. The match was brilliant, the spectators were spoilt by the desire to win of both teams. As for the USA – IRAN match, the Americans could have beaten IRAN, they gave their all. The Iranians put up a strong defence and took advantage of counter-attacking. They seemed more proficient at this sort of game. The USA had a lot of chances, they’re a good team that we esteem highly.”

Predrag MIJATOVIC (9):

“The match against GERMANY showed that we can count on the team’s abilities. We were highly criticised after the match against IRAN, and we had to convince ourselves and everyone else. We always play really well in big matches, despite a certain concentration lapse towards the end of the game. A few of our players are injured and this made us play a game we wouldn’t have chosen otherwise. When we scored the first goal we were not really behind STANKOVIC (10). We are lucky to be at the at the top of our group. It’ll be a great time if we meet HOLLAND. Up until now, they’ve been playing really well.”

Drajan STOJKOVIC (10), captain

“What can you say about the match against GERMANY. We’re a little frustrated and we could have won, but that’s the name of the game. We really played well against GERMANY, but we missed our chance. We hope to make up for this result against the USA. The first goal gave the Germans an incentive to play differently. The match was one of our best performances. After the match a lot of people say that we could go all the way to the final but we’re staying cool-headed. Our objective at the moment is to reach the second round. It will be a match like any other against the USA. There’s no special emotion, we just want to play well.”

Sinisa MIHAJLOVIC (11)

” In the match on Sunday against GERMANY, the referee didn’t want to make the defenders retreat for the free-kicks. The Germans had a bit of luck when they scored the first goal and the referee stole at least one penalty from us; we couldn’t play against the Germans and the referee. GERMANY is used to playing right to last second and those tactics paid off. If the referee refereed in the same way in our favour in each match, we would be World champions. As far as the USA – IRAN match goes, I’m happy that IRAN won. We have one goal less than the Germans one goal difference, but IRAN could go full out and beat them, whereas we can hope to beat the USA. The Americans run a lot, they don’t play individually. I think that if we give them a serious game, we could win.”

Ljubinko DRULOVIC (15)

“Injuries are all part of football, that’s why we have 22 players. We’re professionals and we must give our best. As for my possible selection, only the coach can decide.”

Zeljko PETROVIC (16)

” Don’t ask me if the match against the USA is of political interest. This World Cup is about football and not about politics. It’s all about sport to us. Our team has great ambitions. If we keep on playing as we are, we could go a long way.”