Steve Sampson
On Secretary of State Albright’s timely statements on US-Iran relations: “It is interesting that the Secretary of State this week has talked about US-Iran relations. Secretary of State Albright must realize the exposure and interest generated from Sunday’s match. It is a great opportunity to bring the two countries together.”
On the pressure of the Iran game: “We have to prove on Sunday that we can handle the pressure. This is part of the challenge of the World Cup.”
On what it will take to succeed against Iran: “There have to be players that are willing to take the game on their shoulders and it’s my job to put these players on the field.”
On the Iranian team: “I respect the abilities of the Iranian players. They have four key individuals and many complementary players that are willing to perform their role on the field.”
On the U.S. training since the Germany match: “It took us a full 24-36 hours to refocus, but I think we are very sharp and focused right now.”
Cobi Jones
On the importance of the Iran match: “We are in a must-win situation. We know there is a lot of pressure on us and we have been working extra hard in our training sessions.”
On the political implications of the Iran match: “We are not looking at this game any other way than as an opportunity to gain three points. We are athletes playing a sport, that’s all.”
On the expected emotions of Iran: “I think it [Iran’s high emotions] can be used against them. Personally, I plan to be as calm and cool-headed as possible out there.”
On the U.S. team’s tactical formation: “The formation doesn’t win the game. The players win the game. It will be our work rate and how well we play out there that will make the difference.”
Kasey Keller
On goal differential: “I don’t think we can worry about goal differential at this point. We have to go play our game and get a result.”
On the emotions Iran will bring to Sunday’s match: “I think they will bring an emotional wave at the beginning of the game. We have to handle that wave and worry about playing our game.”
On Iran: “They are a hard working team that threatens offensively. They have four players who are especially skillful and we must contain them.”
On his feelings about playing in World Cup ’98: “I’m very excited to be given the opportunity to play in the World Cup. I’m happy that I have been involved from the beginning of qualification and to be an integral part of this team.”
On the attention of the Iran match: “It’s gained a lot more international interest because of the two countries. Back in 1990, the same kind of thing took place when we played the Soviet Union (Feb. 24, 1990, international friendly match, 1-3 loss, in Palo Alto, Calif.).”
On the attention raised from the U.S. government: “It’s nice to get some recognition from the government. We understand that there is a lot of pride at stake in this game. If it brings more fans to the TV and more exposure to the sport of soccer that will be great.”
