OSAKA, Japan, June 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Following are
quotes from England vs Nigeria game which ended 0-0 on Wednesday:
Sven-Goran Eriksson, coach of England
On the match: It was not easy at all. Nigeria has good strikers,quick
midfielders and is a very organized team. It was very difficult to be
aggressive, especially in the first half. We lacked aggression, but in the
second half, it was a little better and we had a lot of more chances. Anyway
were are through, we cleared the first hurdle.
On the match conditions: It was very hot and so the game started slowly. We
did to score early, but couldn't. Anyway, we reach our first target, to survive
the so-called Group of Death and we did just that. We'll see what happens next.
On England's overall performance: I am satisfied with the team's efforts.
We played reasonably well against Sweden and then very well for the whole match
Argentina. Today the team went well again,especially in the second half.
On team compositions: We are counting on the return of our injured squad
players soon.
On ideal choice of the next opponent: It's pointless to speculate whether
it would have been better to meet Senegal or Denmark. We have Denmark and that's
that. We will just have to winthis match.
On World Cup shocks so far: For me the biggest shock has been the
elimination of France and Argentina. Nobody could have forecast this before the
Cup started.
On the great showing of the two Scandinavian teams: It's no great surprise
to me as I know that both Denmark and Sweden can play very good football. They
have very many players with professional West European clubs.
On Japan and South Korea: I am not at all surprised to see the progress of
these two teams. Both Japan and Korea are making huge progress in football.
On reports that the "live" televised England matches have caused
considerable absenteeism in offices, factories and even schools in Britain:
Well, I do hope that we can make this trend continue until June 30. Our
supporters here are fantastic, I cannot thank them enough.
On Nigeria Jay Jay Okocha being named man of the match: I accept that
without any argument. He did play well. I don't want to single out any of our
players for special mention, they were all great.
David Beckham, MF
On England's qualification for the next round: We are pleased to have come
away from this game with a result and to go through from this group.
On whether there was disappointment about the draw against Nigeria: People
will be happy about that. Obviously it was going to be a different game to the
Argentina game because that was hyped up more than this one. We have gone out
there, we have done the job, and we are through the group.
On Nigeria's changed line-up and their future after elimination:They
changed four or five players from the last game. Of course you are always
impressed with certain individuals and I am sure there will be a few more
surprises on the way.
Michael Owen, FW
On England's performance: We knew we only had to get a draw, soit was hard
to put in a great performance.
Adegboye Onigbinde, coach of Nigeria
On whether he regarded the last match in Group F as a rescue mission after
two defeats and Nigeria's elimination: Well, we had two objectives. One, to
present a team that would not be disgracedat the World Cup finals, and secondly
to lay a foundation for a new Super Eagles. I believe, particularly from the
line-up I presented this afternoon, it is clear we have a sound foundation for
the new look Super Eagles. So I am satisfied.
On the draw against England: I think it was a very good game. Iknow they
needed only one point but we were there to give them a good match and the
standard of the game was good.
On how Nigeria played in the last game compared to the two earlier defeats
against Argentina and Sweden: It is most unfortunate. I sincerely believe it was
the will of God that we have not qualified for the second round. Because I
believe we played well enough to have beaten Argentina and we played well enough
to have beaten Sweden hands down. And now Sweden has qualified for the next
round. So that is football.
On the future for Nigerian football: With what we have seen this afternoon,
I believe that the Nigerian nation team, if we continue with this crusade,
within the next six months, we will have a very formidable team.
Jay Jay Okocha, MF
On the result: We are now disappointed because we tried to get three
points, but we are happy that we got a point. With smile we can go back home,
but it's no doubt we are disappointed.
On whether today's game is the last one for him: Yes, I think so. I would
not say never the last, but I need a holiday with my family.
On the future of Nigerian football: We can find wonderful talent, so the
future for the young players is bright, but I thinkwe still have something to
(examine) about the organization.
On the possibility of playing in the next World Cup in Germany:If I can
help the team four years later, I would like to, but if Ican't, I will not.
On the new team: I think we must start creating new team. It's important to
give the young players opportunities.
On his plans: I want good holidays, because I really miss my family. Then I
think I have to decide where I'm going.
On the match: Our team needs inspiration and mature players. Weknew before
this would happen. It was difficult to get our playersmotivated.
On whether there are any problems in the camp: No there were noproblems.
Justice Christopher, MF
On whether he thinks the world is shrinking in football terms: I don't
think there are any small countries or big countries anymore.
Pius Ikedia, FW
On the match: It was a good game. I think it was a good game. And I wish
England all the best.
Efetobore Sodje, DF
On Nigeria's overall performance in the World Cup: We were unlucky in the
last two games. We should still be in the World Cup.But it is not only Nigeria
that is out. France is out. Argentina is out. Cameroon is out.
On England's prospects: they can (go all the way). In the nextround they
have got Denmark and I don't think that's going to be aproblem. They shouldn't
be worried about Denmark.
On stopping Michael Owen from scoring: It will be interesting to see how he
goes against top defenders. Maybe he was resting today, I don't know, but our
defenders did well to shut him out today. Enditem
