Argentina-England – D. Passarella: “This was undoubtedly the toughest second round game so far”

“The match tonight against ENGLAND was very open, especially when ENGLAND had to play with only ten players. From that moment on they played defensively and counter attacked. They showed themselves to be a very solid and strong team with two outstanding strikers. About our second goal, our set piece was perfectly prepared with VERON (11) and ZANETTI (22) who controlled the ball well and know how to successfully conclude a free kick. ENGLAND played in typical English way, a very solid team. Even though they lost one player we were always struggling. This was undoubtedly the toughest second round game so far. As for our next opponent HOLLAND, we have already studied them on tape and we sent people to the game. We’ll start work as from tomorrow and we are well aware that the quarterfinals will be just as tough. About substituting Gabriel BATISTUTA (9) by Hernan CRESPO (19), you make up your mind in the heat of the moment. We made a lot of mistakes that we don’t usually make, probably due to rushing, when you are dying to score. When you want to win like we wanted to win, fatigue becomes secondary. From now on the players will be on light training so that they can recover. As for Carlos ROA (1), he once again showed us his potential. He had everybody’s confidence for the penalty shoot out and we are happy to qualify against a team that played such a tough open and fast game.”