FRANCE-SWITZERLAND: Players' Quotes

13 June 2006

Thierry HENRY (FRA)

It seems every time we play (Switzerland) it's a draw. We are kind of happy with the 0-0. We had quite a lot of chances in the first half and we can be satisfied with that.

Patrick VIEIRA (FRA)
It was difficult for both teams, but we defended well. We were sure that were going to score and it was difficult for the Swiss to play. We still have a lot confidence.

Fabien BARTHEZ (FRA)
It was very, very hot. We will get stronger in the next two matches and today we had two strong teams playing one another.

William GALLAS (FRA)
I am disappointed not to have three points at the end, but we can get better if we play to our strengths.

Eric ABIDAL (FRA)
I loved the great atmosphere in the stadium. In the next match we will concentrate our defence and that’s the starting point to win a game.

Frank RIBERY (FRA)
It was difficult for us to get over the half-way line today. We are in a difficult group and the main thing is to get to the round of 16.

Lillian THURAM (FRA)
We should have played at a higher level, but it was our first match and the result counts very much, so one point is not bad at all.

Tranquillo BARNETTA (SUI)
We’re really happy because 0-0 against France is a great success. We have to win the next two matches. The French players had respect for us and that makes us happy. The atmosphere was just great. The first few minutes were awesome and I had goose bumps.

Ludovic MAGNIN (SUI)
You can't say that the draw was two points lost or one point gained. We could have won, but so could the French. We had big problems with the sun which was shining right in our faces in the first half.

Alexander FREI (SUI)
In the final minutes we could have won. We had quite a few chances and they are hard to get against such a good team.

Johann VOGEL (SUI)
It’s always hard to play against a team like France. They were more aggressive in the first half, but in the second we had quite a few good chances.

Philipp DEGEN (SUI)
I am satisfied - the result was OK. We knew it was going to be hard in the heat and that hindered a fast game, but we tried to play aggressive. Now we have to win both games against Togo and Korea Republic. We had a lot of good opportunities. The French have sensational players and a great defence. My right foot is sore, but I am used to that now.

Pascal ZUBERBUEHLER (SUI)
We are satisfied with the result - it's positive for us because a point was enough. France were more dangerous in the first half, but they were not better and we had our chances. We have to play with more concentration next time. Two or three times we were dangerous in front of goal.

Patrick MUELLER (SUI)
Three quarters of the stadium were red and that was extraordinary to see.