Germany-Croatia - B. Vogts: "The Croatia team can be compared to the Yugoslavia team"

03.07.98 16h40 CET

Three questions for Berti VOGTS, coach of the GERMANY team

• How do you feel before this World Cup quarter-final game against CROATIA?

It's an important match because it will determine the 4 great teams who will take part in the next two matches. It's a great honour to be one of the last 8 qualifiers, especially as some major football nations have already been knocked out.

• What do think of your opponents? What, according to you, are their strengths and weaknesses?

The CROATIA team can be compared to the YUGOSLAVIA team, but they are more aggressive and rugged. They have some very good individual players, particularly Zvonimir BOBAN (10) and Davor SUKER (9) who are both great players. What's more, they have an extremely solid defence that doesn't let anything through. As for their weaknesses, I think that we can cause them some problems if we link-up quickly up front and push down our left wing.

• What are the main strengths of your team for this match?

We are very well prepared and we have got a good defence, two extremely efficient strikers and very good team spirit within the squad, who have worked very hard and who are mentally ready for this game.