FRANCE 98 – France – D. Deschamps: “We must make sure we don't get carried away”

Statements from Clairefontaine (south west of PARIS)

Didier DESCHAMPS, captain (7):

“I know Miroslav BLAZEVIC (CROATIA team coach) from my days at F.C.NANTES. He’s an intelligent, charming and crafty man. He did a lot for me as far as my game is concerned, and the same goes for Marcel DESAILLY (8). He knows how to get the best out of his players as he has great confidence in himself, and his self-belief is infectious. His training exercises are brisk and lively, and often includes shooting practice. They’re never very long but always invigorating. Training is always conducted with the competition in mind.

When playing against CROATIA I will have to keep the situation under control and not make any stupid mistakes, but that doesn’t mean that I will be any less aggressive. (Didier DESCHAMPS received a yellow card in the quarter-final against ITALY).

We are very proud to have reached the semi-final, but we must make sure we don’t get carried away. We still remember only too well the European Championship, where we took it for granted that we would reach the final even before our semi-final match against the Czechs. We learn from our mistakes.

This World Cup has been a great success as much for the organisation as for the standards of play, which have been superior to any previous World Cups.

Public support has been extraordinary. The ardent spirit of the supporters has been very satisfying for the players. I think we have done what has been expected of us.

For this semi-final (21h00 on 8 July at SAINT-DENIS) we will have to concentrate hard in defence. I think it is individual talent that will decide the match.