FRANCE 98 – MatchQuotes

Match Number 34 SCO – MOR Quotes

“Frankly, we played badly tonight. It was a mediocre match compared to our first two performances. It’s quite logical that we first of all conceded two goals against a good Moroccan team. Then with ten against eleven, after Craig BURLEY (8) was sent off, it became mission impossible. MOROCCO didn’t surprise us, we knew that they were capable of such matches and this evening, they got their game together and we didn’t, the result is there to prove it. Our group was very difficult with three teams ranked in the FIFA top 15. We had some good matches but we didn’t know how to score when we had the chance.”

“It’s a great deception. But above all I want to thank the players from the bottom of my heart. Thank them for their performance. They proved that they had their place in this World Cup and that they could have gone further. This evening we didn’t qualify because we drew with NORWAY (2-2) at MONTPELLIER. I can’t do anything about BRAZIL’s defeat by NORWAY. I know there was a one in a hundred chance that NORWAY would win and this is what happened. I heard rumours about the match and apparently their penalty awarded was a little generous. From a technical point of view, MOROCCO proved that they could play against the best teams. We’ve improved in our game organisation, both technically and on coverage of the field. All has been spoilt by the errors against NORWAY. Our players have great potential and a lot of talent, and they deserved to get qualified. I congratulate them and thank them but I’m very sad for them. This evening we saw a Scottish team much weaker than MOROCCO; we were inspired. That’s the name of the game: Against BRAZIL the roles were reversed and we were the weaker team and we lost 3-0.”

Colin HENDRY (5), captain

“I’m obviously very disappointed to have lost this match against MOROCCO and with being eliminated. I thought we could have won, but the Moroccans were very good. We ended up in a very difficult group. There were a lot of Scottish supporters for this match and I’m very sad for them.”

Jim LEIGHTON (1)

“Words can’t say how disappointed I am. The Moroccans played very well and we couldn’t do anything. For me, it’s probably my last World Cup.”

Craig BURLEY (8)

“We feel really frustrated this evening, we didn’t expect such a let down. For the strikes, we were always in the wrong place and in retrospect, we have a lot to regret. As for my red card, it’s very difficult to understand, as there were a lot of other dangerous tackles.”

Paul LAMBERT (14)

“We’re disappointed but it’s our own fault. MOROCCO were vastly superior to us, without a doubt. Before conceding the first goal, we had a few opportunities to score but the goalkeeper always made good saves. The first goal was crucial, but that’s football. Things then became very difficult, especially when Craig BURLEY (8) was sent off.”

Matt ELLIOTT (18)

“This elimination is a great disappointment, but it was also a great honour for us to compete in this World Cup. This gives us confidence for the future, and particularly for next season. We’re now going to start thinking about our own clubs.”