Match very physical, says manager

Press, 23 June 1986, Page 27

Match very physical, says manager

NZPA-Reuter Monterrey, Mexico West Germany had a difficult and “very physical” match against Mexico, according to its manager, Franz Beckenbauer. “The Mexicans are not easy opposition to play against,” he said after his team’s penalty shootout victory. “They are not at all like European teams and it was a physical match. It is not my place to argue about the decisions which were made by the referee. “We had to play cautiously because we were the away team, but Mexico also played very cautiously and with only one forward. Their tactics did not make it an attractive match and, towards the end, all the players were virtually exhausted. “France are a very fine team and have been one of the best for the last three or four years, but we believe we will have a chance against them in our semi-final. “We feel penalties are not the ideal way to resolve matches in the World Cup but today we were the lucky team.” Mexico’s Yugoslav coach, Bora Milutinovic, was given an ovation by Mexican reporters when he came into the postmatch news conference.

He said: “We began our preparations for the World Cup in Monterrey and so our campaign has ended here as well. My players have done their best, but sometimes it is difficult to give the fans what they want. “I must congratulate the German team on what they have achieved in reaching the semifinals, but we are sad to go out on penalties. It is unfortunate to lose in such a way, but several very fine players have missed penalties today including Zico and Michel Platini, who is bne of the best players in the world.”