Match Number 33 ITA - AUT Quotes

AUSTRIA team coach, Herbert PROHASKA commented:

"In both halves AUSTRIA tried to keep attacking and keep on hoping but the ITALY team defended well and was happy to counter-attack. I would like to see the goals again particularly because I didn't think there was a foul for the first and my players felt there was no foul on the second. Regarding the substitution of Anton POLSTER (19) I simply wanted to inject some fresh energy into the team and I was not dissatisfied with the players who came off.  The AUSTRIA team fought well and showed they belonged in the tournament. Obviously the feeling now is one of disappointment that we shall be going home, because we were aiming to reach the last sixteen. ITALY play intelligently, defending and counter-attacked well. The AUSTRIA team had to take risks and play without a sweeper. We were short of luck and that can be fatal. Finally I wish the ITALY team the best of luck for the rest of the tournament."

Cesare MALDINI (ITALY team coach):

"Let's start with the bad news concerning Alessandro NESTA (6) who is injured and will undergo an MRI scan in the next 24 hours to determine the extent of the injury. In any case we are sad to report that he will probably not play in the rest of the tournament. We deserved the result. We had a lot of chances and I'm satisfied with the way the team played. We've passed the first hurdle. Now we have a few days to rest and think about our next opponent. The two halves were very different. In the first half we were not as involved as we should have been but we had the psychological advantage of our previous wins. The match was more difficult than we had expected. We always kept in mind AUSTRIA's previous results and they showed this three minutes before the end of the match when they scored".

 

 

Christian VIERI (21):

"I have scored four goals in three matches. Today's goal was important because it gave us some breathing space right at the start of the second half. I am not looking to be the top scorer. The main thing is that the team qualifies. We suffered in the second half, but that's normal. The whole team contributed to the win. We haven't always played well but we have done what we set out to do despite the pressure." 

Roberto BAGGIO (18):

"I got my goal thanks to Filippo INZAGHI (19) who played a great through-ball. I was pleased to have come on during the match and to have scored. I hope that all the forwards will get the chance to play as each one has a lot of potential, like the rest of the team."

Filippo INZAGHI (19):

"I was very happy to have made a decisive final ball to Roberto BAGGIO (18). He was in a better position than me. I did not score today but I hope to next time."

Alessandro DEL PIERO (10):

"It was an intense and difficult match. We expected this and it was difficult to qualify. I am sorry for Alessandro NESTA (6), he was really unlucky. Despite everything I am satisfied because we had some good patches during this match especially in defence; we were able to counter-attack. We achieved our objective in winning the match and finishing first. I am happy with my own performance and am not at all envious of Christian VIERI (21) being the leading scorer. I was delighted with both his and Roberto BAGGIO's (18) goal. What is important is that we are all pulling together."

Giuseppe BERGOMI (2):

"Among our potential opponents I think that SCOTLAND (Group A) is a solid and well organised team. They no longer play a stereotyped game as they used to a few years ago. They are a dangerous team and have played well in the first round, especially against BRAZIL (Group A). I had expected the NORWAY team to be stronger. I've been rather disappointed with them, even if they are still dangerous with their long-ball game. Maybe the MOROCCO team is the easiest to play."