FRANCE 98 – Netherlands – F. De Boer: “I think that we'll finish first in the group and we'll get to the semi-finals, and why not the final”

Netherlands – F. De Boer: “I think that we’ll finish first in the group and we’ll get to the semi-finals, and why not the final”

24.06.98 20h28 CET

Franck DE BOER (4), captain

“MEXICO is a very good team, they play a technical game but we’ll win. I think that we’ll finish first in the group and we’ll get to the semi-finals, and why not the final.”

Edwin VAN DER SAR (1)

“If we play well we’ll beat MEXICO and be the first in the group. We can get to the semi-finals. For me, the favourite team in this World Cup is undoubtedly France. They’ll win this tournament.”

Dennis BERGKAMP (8)

“It’s very important that all goes well in this match against MEXICO. Team atmosphere is great and I have great hopes for this encounter even if I know it will be tough. We’ll have to be very strong in defence because MEXICO have a very solid set-up with high paced players and attack tactics targeted at scoring goals. I think that refereeing isn’t a real problem. The World Cup referees are naturally good. I put my trust in them.”

Patrick KLUIVERT (9)

“This match is very important for us as if we finish first we will not have to play against GERMANY in the second round. Nonetheless, we must pay great attention to MEXICO who have very strong players. If we play to our usual standard we should be able to get through.”

Boudewijn ZENDEN (12):

“We played a disappointing game against BELGIUM. Then against SOUTH KOREA we proved our worth and all of a sudden we’re favourites against MEXICO who have, nonetheless always scored and shown themselves to be very dangerous opponents. What’s more they’re used to playing under blazing heat, unlike us, which could play in their favour.”