Germany-Mexico – O. Bierhoff: “The turning point of the match was when the Mexicans missed that chance to score”

Germany-Mexico – O. Bierhoff: “The turning point of the match was when the Mexicans missed that chance to score”

29.06.98 20h32 CET

Jürgen KLINSMANN, captain (18) :

 “We put them under pressure in the first half, that was obvious from the header that hit the post. The Mexican goal was like a cold shower to us. But we were never worried about getting back into the game, because we have an instinctive fighting spirit.

I was always optimistic. We had an enormous drive to win. We picked up the pace and penned the Mexicans in their own half. My goal liberated us.

Everyone has their own idea about how to play football, but we play our own style of football using our strength and our attitude.

If we keep playing this way we’ll be unbeatable.”

Ulf KIRSTEN (9):

“Although I didn’t score in this match, making a decisive pass is just as satisfying as scoring a goal–even though I’ve never been in the starting line-up. It’s the second time running that I’ve made this kind of pass from which Oliver BIERHOFF (20) had a scoring header. I hope it’ll happen again.

Our next opponents in the quarter finals, ROMANIA or CROATIA, don’t worry me. It’s a match like any other. It’s the other teams that should be wary of us, given that we show great strength of character in coming back from behind.”

Dietmar HAMANN (16):

“We were able to hold on to the ball much longer than the Mexicans.

When Andy MOLLER (7) came on in the second half, I had to move to the centre which is not my usual position, but I thought I did rather well. We had several scary moments, and I was afraid we’d be going straight home. Luckily, our two forwards (BIERHOFF (20) and KLINSMANN (18)) came through once more.”

 Oliver BIERHOFF (20):

“I’d like to thank Ulf KIRSTEN (9) for his cross which enabled me to score. He’s the best scorer in the Bundesliga (German League). The turning point of the match was when the Mexicans missed that chance to score. We know how to put our opponents under pressure when we’re trailing. I think this has been our best match since the start of the World Cup, but we can do even better.”