France – Y. Djorkaeff: “It won't be a walk in the park”

The FRANCE team has just hurdled its first obstacle by qualifying for the World Cup round of 16 after beating its first three opponents. Youri DJORKAEFF, who is delighted with the way things are going, here looks back at his sides’s 2-1 victory over DENMARK: “We played at 16h00 after two excellent performances against SOUTH AFRICA (3-0) and SAUDI ARABIA (4-0). The team was made up of less experienced players who all proved that they deserved being called up, and added that vital sense of insouciance to the team. We now have a good dynamic within the squad which we have to keep up as well as a certain self-belief.”

“Now we’re headed in a new direction. A whole new competition is beginning. The PARAGUAY team, which we will play against in the last 16, has really surprised me. I watched their matches against BULGARIA (0-0) and SPAIN (0-0). They have a strong defence and a sharp attack. It won’t be a walk in the park.”

In any case, the FRANCE team has yet to put a foot wrong. “To enter into football legend, we must qualify for the final. Generally, for the first match of a World Cup you tread softly. But we really came sprinting in.”

The FRANCE team can also count on enthusiastic supporters in all their matches. “We have all been touched by the enthusiasm and support we have had from our fans. It’s heart-warming, especially for those of us who play in foreign clubs and haven’t noticed the growing passion for the French team.”

The team has got off to a good start in the competition and has a second playmaker in Youri DJORKAEFF. “I’m at my most dangerous in this position. But with ZIDANE not there, I had to adapt, which wasn’t really a problem for me.”