Brazil – Dunga: “Nothing can stop us”

Brazil – Dunga: “Nothing can stop us”

11.07.98 22h52 CET

Statements from Lésigny (south east of PARIS), at Château de la Romaine

DUNGA (8), captain :

“We have total confidence in ourselves. We must play to win. Our secret is simply hard work. We are 22 individual players, but we all have same aim: to win the Final. Nothing can stop us. Each of us must remember that we have a role to play within the team and stay clear-headed. Every move must come from the bottom of the heart and soul. Our team’s only thought is of winning. We are aware of what we must live up to because we are favourites. BRAZIL is very experienced.”

RONALDO (9):

“The people in BRAZIL love me, but to maintain this I have to keep scoring goals. The pain in my knee has been bothering me. I’ve seen a report in which Didier DESCHAMPS said that he didn’t want to hear the samba in the stands. I think the French are just scared of Brazilian atmosphere.”

LEONARDO (18):

Every match is different. We are optimistic. Having won the Copa America doesn’t guarantee us the World Cup. It is especially hard to make predictions for the Final. What’s more, France are playing at home.”

CAFU (2):

“BRAZIL will triumph. Experience helps a lot. We are relaxed but focused also, and the atmosphere amongst us is light-hearted. The fact that a number of players have already played a World Cup is not an advantage. It will be a match unlike any other. The nerves will hit us at the moment of kick-off. The philosophy of Brazilian football is to attack, and so it makes sense for defenders to help out up-front. FRANCE has deserved to reach the Final. The French will be very cautious. I am satisfied with the way I have performed up till now.”

DENILSON (19):

“I’m always ready to come on the pitch at any moment, particularly when it is a Final. My Dad told me on the phone that I’ve managed to win the hearts of the Brazilian people. That’s a real source of joy for me, and every time I walk onto the pitch I’ll remember my father’s words. I am a role model for my friends and for the youth in my hometown, who have a reputation for being violent. It will be a tough match, we hope to play with passion and to get that passion across to all of BRAZIL. We will try and forget the critics and give it all we’ve got. I’m always trying to help, to do something useful for the rest of the team. It’s wonderful to be playing in a World Cup at 20 years old. To just be part of the “Seleção” is already a great achievement.”

ROBERTO CARLOS (6):

“BRAZIL has improved defensively and that could cause problems for our opponents. It is said that FRANCE has the best defence. But it was also said that ENGLAND had the best attack and the best defence, and ENGLAND have gone

home. The crucial thing is to play at our own pace, to play our own game, and to pay no importance to our opponents. ZIDANE (10 – FRANCE) is undoubtedly a great player, but one man doesn’t make a team.”