Brazil-Netherlands – F. De Boer: “We were so close to the final”
Brazil-Netherlands – F. De Boer: “We were so close to the final” 08.07.98 01h39 CET Frank DE BOER (4), captain:
“We were so close to the final, especially at the penalty shoot out stage. We certainly should have scored before the end because the Brazilians were tired, but we lost the ball too often. We lacked realism. The Brazilians still remain dangerous and we learnt that the hard way.”
Ronald DE BOER (7):
“After equalising, I truly believed in our victory, but we weren’t powerful enough during extra time. I didn’t really see it but apparently there was a fault on Pierre VAN HOOIJDONK (17). It’s a shame because BRAZIL was within our reach. I’m really disappointed. As for the penalties, I started off well but I think I kicked too quickly, because I’d seen that he was diving to the right side. At this particular moment, I don’t have the motivation to play for third place.”
Marc OVERMARS (14):
“There was no question that I would play today. Being on the substitutes’ bench during the semi-final is very stressful. We always feel that we could make a difference. The two teams were very close. We had more opportunities than BRAZIL. I feel very bitter.”
Patrick KLUIVERT (9):
“After equalising, we should have scored again because we could feel that BRAZIL’s defence was flagging. I think we dominated BRAZIL by a long way. Personally, I didn’t see the fault on Pierre VAN HOOIJDONK (17). Now, we’re going to try and finish third which will be a good recompense.”
Jaap STAM (3):
“I think we were better than BRAZIL in this match. Today, we had our chance but we didn’t know how to seize it. With the first goal, we played the off-side badly. It’s a match which has given us extra experience. We are not a weaker team than BRAZIL.”
Dennis BERGKAMP (8):
“It will be difficult to motivate each other for the match for third place. But we’re ready and we’ll do everything we can to win. Concerning the Brazilian players, they alternate between periods of playing a very good game and playing a lot less well. It’s at this moment that we should have scored but we weren’t able to pull it off.”
