Diego Maradona: “Argentina didn't 'feel' the match”

What do you think about the World Cup 98 in France, from the point of view of the atmosphere and the matches?

I think the organisation is very good. The only problem was that ticketing. I think for the future that will have to be improved. As for the matches, it’s not the best World Cup, but it’s not the worst either. In general there is a good level of play.

Has one team or player particularly impressed you?

No, not any of the teams. The players that have most impressed me are OWEN (ENGLAND, 20), BERGKAMP (NETHERLANDS, 8), and RIVALDO (BRAZIL, 10) who’ve had an excellent World Cup.

What do you think about the ARGENTINA team?

We didn’t respect our origins nor our traditional style of play. ARGENTINA has tried to become a ‘physical’ European style team, but is not able to choose between a physical game and technical skill. Today, we were disguised as Germans and the NETHERLANDS as Argentineans. But you can say that the NETHERLANDS taught us an important lesson during this match.

What do you think of the FRANCE team?

I think the championship is tailor made for FRANCE. They could face some problems with BRAZIL, but I think, when it comes down to it, FRANCE will be World Champions.

Which French players have impressed you the most?

ZIDANE (10), and of course one can’t forget the younger players such as HENRY (12) and TREZEGUET (20), who’ve shown they can keep their cool and showed good strength of character during the penalty shoot-out against ITALY.

Do you think you will return to the world of football?

Yes. I’d like to coach a team. What would be really nice would be to end my career as coach for an English club.

Can the Argentinean players go home with their heads held high?

From a physical point of view, yes, but not from a technical point of view. Today, we played like, for example, a German team. You have to ‘feel’ football, and today, ARGENTINA didn’t ‘feel’ the match.