FRANCE 98 – Match n°2 MOROCCO-NORWAY (Group A) – Mixed zone – MOROCCO team players' statements

Match n°2 MOROCCO-NORWAY (Group A) – Mixed zone – MOROCCO team players’ statements

11.06.98 00h51 CET

Nourredine NAYBET (6), Captain:

“I’d like to thank my team, who played courageously and efficiently. Everyone played their part well. Despite enormous pressure from NORWAY, who are a great team, we gradually became more confident and more creative. We gave away two stupid goals. Happily, our goals speak for themselves and they show that we’re a team worthy of this competition. We can go into our second match against BRAZIL (Group A) without any hang-ups. As for my ankle injury, I’ve had no more trouble.”

Driss BENZEKRI (12), Goalkeeper:

“The Norwegians are physically very strong. They play deep, and their forwards are very quick. It’s a shame they equalised each time we scored. We could have won this evening. We should have scored more goals in the first half, but that’s football for you. But it’s a good result for MOROCCO.”

El Moustafa HADJI (7), :

“I’m happy with this result, it’s a good one. It was a difficult and tricky match, but we gave them something to think about. We expected strong opposition from NORWAY. We gave away goals because of mistakes, but this experience will prove useful for the rest of the competition. We played good football and I hope we’ll keep it up. Anyway, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”