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Q & A: Saudi coach Nasser Al-Johar
Posted: Tuesday April 23, 2002 6:26 PM
Updated: Tuesday April 23, 2002 6:27 PM
What
do you think of the draw?
It's a very strong group because there is Germany, who have a wealth
of experience in World Cup finals, as well as Cameroon, who I watched
give a wonderful performance against Argentina in their recent friendly.
Also, Ireland are a hard team to beat, but we will try to surprise
them.
Who
are your key players?
I don't depend on particular names. We play as a team.
Who
will be the surprises?
Cameroon have a group of wonderful players who play in big leagues
in Europe, and that has given them much-needed experience. Winning
the African Nations Cup again will have helped them, too.
Will
the conditions affect you?
We are well prepared. Our training camp in Italy proved a good chance
to get used to different conditions.
Who
will win the World Cup?
Argentina, France or Brazil.
How
have you assessed your group opponents?
There are no secrets in football. I know our opponents have been
watching us and, similarly, my assistants have been watching them
closely.
What
do you expect to achieve at this World Cup?
We would like to repeat the good showing of our previous finals
appearances. In 1994, we made it to the second stage. In 1998 we
were in a very strong group including France, the eventual champions.
I hope the players stay fit and perform in a way that portrays our
football in its best light.
You
are the first Saudi national to lead the team at the World Cup.
Is that important?
No. The coach can provide motivation and tactics, but ultimately
the players are responsible for the success of a team. The strong
unity in our team is our biggest asset. It makes us capable of achieving
something, despite the fact that we are playing in a very strong
group.
Arab
teams have done well against Germany at World Cups -- Algeria in
1982, Tunisia in 1978, and Morocco in 1970 and 1986.
Can you follow in their footsteps?
That is history. What we hope to achieve will only come because
we are well prepared and have worked hard. I have studied the style
of the other teams of my group very carefully. That, I hope, will
help me to achieve good results.
From World Soccer magazine.
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