FRANCE 98 – Germany-Iran – A. Kopke: “We have difficult game coming up against Mexico”

Germany-Iran – A. Kopke: “We have difficult game coming up against Mexico”

26.06.98 00h59 CET

Jürgen KLINSMANN, captain (18):

“

It makes no difference whether we play against HOLLAND (Group E) or MEXICO (Group E) in the last sixteen. From now on every team has an equal chance to win. Personally, I wouldn’t have minded playing against the Dutch because we’ve always beaten them.”

Oliver BIERHOFF (20):

“We played a lot of high balls, but it didn’t work for us in the first half. IRAN gained confidence and had some dangerous scoring opportunities.

Our team is playing better and better. We’ve shown that we’re unified and play well together. We’re pleased that we won’t be playing against HOLLAND, as we’re top of Group F. The Mexicans are supposed to be a good team, but we must be able to beat any team if we want to be World Champions.”

Andreas KOPKE (1):

“It was a tough match. Our goal, not to play against HOLLAND, has been accomplished and that’s good for us. I’m satisfied that I didn’t let in any goals. No team is easy to play against at this point in the competition. We have a difficult game coming up against MEXICO.

The Mexicans made up a two-goal deficit during their first round match against HOLLAND. They’re a good team and we’ll have to watch out for them.”

Lothar MATTHAUS (8):

“We deserved this victory. We played well, even though we didn’t score in the first half. We’re glad we’re not playing against HOLLAND–we wanted to avoid them at all costs.

We have to watch out for MEXICO, but I think we can beat them.”