FRANCE 98 – Holland-Mexico – J. Stam: “I'd never have thought that we could have lost so much ground like that”

Holland-Mexico – J. Stam: “I’d never have thought that we could have lost so much ground like that”

25.06.98 20h49 CET

Frank DE BOER (4), captain:

“We played well in the first half, but we lost concentration in the second half. The Mexicans got a lot of possession, which is why we played more defensively. Those that were replaced were very tired, the others weren’t really in the game. The end of the game was weird because we thought that it would finish 2-1 and we’re very disappointed with the result. We slowed down the rhythm in the second half because we didn’t have enough up front. Luckily, it is a harmless draw. We’ll try to do better next time.”

Jaap STAM (3):

“I’d never have thought that we could have lost so much ground like that. We knew the Mexicans were fighters before this match. Their technique wasn’t very good, but they made up for it with their attitude. We left a lot of gaps and our strikers didn’t get enough of the ball. The Mexicans often played down the wings, which was a bad thing for us. We played badly, but at least we learnt a few things, and its up to us to draw the conclusions.”

Arthur NUMAN (5):

“We had a good first hour. We felt safe. I got a yellow card and psychologically, that was upsetting. At the time, I felt weakened and my Mexican counterpart made the most of that to get on top of us. I don’t understand why the referee didn’t give more cards as the Mexicans play-acted and committed several fouls. They were very aggressive.”

Ronald DE BOER (7):

Anyway we’re first and that’s the most important thing. It’s such a shame that we let them catch us up at the end of the match. It’s taught us a good lesson; we need to concentrate until the end of the match so as not to make the same sort of mistakes we made today. We could beat any other team.”

Dennis BERGKAMP (8):

“We had a good first half but after halftime we weren’t in the game anymore. It was harder for us because MEXICO raised the level of their game. We didn’t play down the wings either. For us, it’s a negative result, we didn’t play up to our usual standard.”

Edgar DAVIDS (16):

“We played well in the first half. Then the match conditions made things harder. We let go a little and MEXICO managed to develop their game and become dangerous.”

Pierre VAN HOOIJDONK (17):

“We could have won. We’ve got a lot of potential and the team we meet in the second round only worries us a little. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll be happy to play and score in the final matches, but I respect the coach’s decision. The team comes first.”

Jerrel HASSELBAINK (21):

“We played very badly during the last twenty minutes. We were punished. The next time, we’ll have to be careful, but I’m confident.”