Germany – O. Bierhoff: “We'll have to be psychologically strong”

“This match is vengeance for Euro ’96 for CROATIA. We’ll have to be psychologically strong. However, against MEXICO, we proved that we had strength of character.

As for me, it’s true that I scored three goals from headers, because the defenders prevented me from keeping the ball on the ground. So in the end, I decided to resort to head-play to get around their defence.

I know that the CROATIA team has a similar style of play to YUGOSLAVIA, who we’ve already played, but they are tougher and more focused.

For me, in the World Cup, as opposed to Euro 96 in ENGLAND, when, despite the goals I scored, I wasn’t really counted upon, it’s very nice to have the confidence of the whole team. Up until now, they used to say my success was just due to good luck, but over the past two years, I’ve proven otherwise.

The fact that everyone counts on me adds to the pressure, but the time spent on the pitch is so extraordinary that you have to accept that pressure.”

“In the first three matches, which I don’t think were too bad, I played a very sober game, without really trying to do anything spectacular.

I don’t know whether Lothar MATTHAUS (8) is the best man in this position. I’m not qualified to answer that question, but I will do all it takes to get my position back. I think that in the future, I’ll be playing more towards the midfield.

I’m not paranoid. I don’t think I’ve been the victim of a media campaign in favour of Lothar MATTHAUS (8).

The World Cup is a very demanding championship, and it’s normal that there’s some rotation of players.”