FRANCE 98 – Germany – A. Kopke: “The new World cup ball is faster than its predecessors”

Comments from Nice:

Andreas KOPKE (1):

“The new ball is not the reason for the goals sometimes blamed on the goalkeepers. The real top line goalkeepers have not had any problems of this kind. This being said, it’s clear that the new World Cup ball has different trajectories and is faster than its predecessors.”

Olaf THON (6):

Compared with the match against the USA (Group F), we should try harder to broaden our play when we have possession. That will prevent the opposition from being too concentrated in the midfield if we loose the ball. It will also help us to channel the ball properly through to the forwards. Against YUGOSLAVIA (Group F) we won’t just content ourselves to fighting off their attack. We want to control the game, set the pace and put them under pressure.”

Christian WORNS (2):

“Against the USA, I wasn’t marking any one particular player. We’ve had to adapt our game. In this kind of situation, it’s important that I communicate with KOHLER (4) during the matches. But I think that we came out of it very well.