FRANCE 98 – Italy-France – E. Petit: “Tactically, it was a real battle”

Emmanuel PETIT (17):

“It was a marathon match. I really had the impression that the pitch was getting bigger as the game went on. After being out of the side for so long, I really wanted to give everything, and I have done in each game. When LIZARAZU (3) missed his penalty, I was really pessimistic. It’s a question of nerve. Tactically, it was a real battle. Just like against PARAGUAY, we were very uncomfortable against a side which closes the game down so much. We knew the Italians were trying to take it to penalties. As for the spirit in the squad, all twenty-two of us are pulling together as if we were a club side. We can tell that everyone wants to be out on the pitch, and its hardest for those who are on the bench. We deserved to win the match because they only created two chances.”

David TREZEGUET (20):

“It’s amazing. Just being involved in this World Cup is fantastic. I have to make the most of it. We knew ITALY play a very tactical game. It was a bit of a lottery, and the scales tipped our way. ITALY is a team that always plays in the same way. We know that the main thing is to win, but it doesn’t matter how. We’re dead set on winning this World Cup in France. In the next round, I’d rather play against CROATIA, and then why not ARGENTINA in the Final? But right now, I’m only thinking about the semi-final.”

Bixente LIZARAZU (3):

“The Italians let us go at them. We lacked the final touch in front of goal. Extra time and penalties are part of the game. We gave everything. I can’t explain how I missed the penalty and what I did wrong. In principle, I prefer not to take penalties. The fact that Fabien saved the next penalty put us all square again. Either side could have won.”