Netherlands-Croatia – P. Kluivert: “We didn't play up to our potential”

Netherlands-Croatia – P. Kluivert: “We didn’t play up to our potential”

12.07.98 00h22 CET

Match #63: NETHERLANDS-CROATIA, statements from NETHERLANDS team players

Edwin VAN DER SAAR (1):

“I think that we have a team that can play together for many years to come, and in ten years the same players may still be very competitive. But that is the distant future — I admit that it was far more important to win this World Cup, something we just weren’t able to pull off.”

Patrick KLUIVERT (9):

“We didn’t play up to our potential in our last match. The red card that I got playing against BELGIUM really penalised me and hurt the team for the rest of the tournament. But I feel I still played at a very high level at times, which gratifies me. I am also pleased to see that the international press has reported that we played the most attractive football of the entire tournament. I think they are right, but what really counts is to score goals. As to my future, I don’t know if English football suits me, but I would like to play there — for a club like Arsenal for example.”

Ronald DE BOER (7):

“Now that the World Cup is finished, it is time to think about the future. I want to leave Ajax. It’s time for me to play somewhere else. It’s up to Ajax to set a price for me and my brother, and see which teams react to their proposal. I have learned a lot at Ajax and I like the team. I also hope that my departure will not cause any problems. I know that Arsenal is currently waiting in the wings, but I am open to offers from other teams if they express interest in me.”