Brazil-Netherlands - C. Taffarel: "Thanks to God, we've succeeded again today"

08.07.98 02h47 CET

DUNGA (8), captain:

"I'm used to penalty shoot-outs, because in the 1994 World Cup in the USA, the match also finished that way. In this kind of exercise, you have to stay lucid and keep your concentration. The greatest players can crack during a penalty shoot-out. I'm exhausted after this match. Tomorrow, I'm going to rest. With regard to the Final to be played against FRANCE or CROATIA, I hope that our supporters will see us once again honoured as World Champions."

ZE CARLOS (13):

"Considering I haven't played for two months, I can be satisfied with my match. I could certainly have done better if I'd played more matches. I'm nonetheless happy, because with me playing, the BRAZIL team didn't lose. I'd like to thank my friends, because they helped me before, during and after the match. Replacing CAFU (2) wasn't easy, because I consider him to be a great player."

LEONARDO (18):

"The first half was very difficult for both teams. After having opened the score, we tried to control the match up until the end, but didn't succeed. The Dutch, thanks to their tenacity, succeeded in equalising. This resulted in going on to extra time and the penalty shoot-out."

TAFFAREL (1):

"It was a grand victory. Thanks to God, we've succeeded again today, but we have to continue and get past the next obstacle as we only have one more match to play. This game was a true battle, but it proved that BRAZIL is prepared. For the penalty shoot-out, it's the intuition that counts. You have to keep your concentration. The Brazilian supporters are ecstatic, but we still have one more match to play and we'll play with all our strength to win."

 

RONALDO (9):

"Sudden-death play-offs are unpleasant. At least BRAZIL succeeded in the penalty shoot-out. Now we have managed to get past this important stage, we're capable of winning the World Cup."