Germany – A. Kopke: “The main thing was to qualify”

Germany – A. Kopke: “The main thing was to qualify”

30.06.98 16h50 CET

Comments made in Stade Charles Ehrmann in Nice.

Andreas KOPKE (1):

“I think that everything is being analysed negatively. I don’t understand the criticisms. In all the countries that have qualified there is an euphoric atmosphere, but in our country it just seems normal.

The main thing was to qualify.

The uncertainties of the last matches are over. I made some mistakes and I’ll not make any more.

Regarding the temperatures, I’d rather play in the evening to not have the sun beating down, and because of the stifling heat in the south of France.”

Markus BABBEL (14):

“For the last three or four weeks I haven’t played a match and I lack speed.

The training sessions are all very well, but it’s not the same as a match, the pace isn’t the same and they don’t last as long.

For the quarter finals, ROMANIA have impressed us, they have some excellent individuals, but we play better as a team.”

Dietmar HAMANN (16):

“The heat is not a problem, once you get into the match, you forget the heat and tiredness.

For the quarter finals, whether it be ROMANIA or CROATIA, either team will be difficult to play against. We’d rather not play either of them.

It’s a World Cup quarter final, anything is possible; although they are excellent teams, we can beat them.