Coaches’ Quotes: Ecuador v. Germany

June 21st, 2006 | by: Trent |

Here’s what the coaches had to say after Ecuador’s 0-3 loss to Germany on Tuesday.

Suarez capsule: We sucked, but what did you expect? We’ll get back at it.

Klinsmann capsule: We rocked, but Ecuador sucked.

Luis Suarez – Ecuador
“My team did nowhere near as well as they did in the opening two games, but Germany obviously made life very difficult for us. We found ourselves a goal down right from the off and on the day, the opposition were quite simply stronger, quicker and played better football than we did. I just hope that in the Round of 16, we play the way we did in the first two matches.

I’m disappointed, because that really wasn’t a very good performance. Every team has to lose at some point, but it’s the manner of the defeat. It would be easy to put it down to the fact that we didn’t have all of our top players, but that wasn’t the reason. No-one had a decent game for us today. We’re just pleased that we’ve got the chance to put today’s mistakes behind us in the next round. If we end up playing England, then we’ll have to show some more commitment. England are one of the best teams in the world, so we really would have our work cut out. ”

Jurgen Klinsmann – Germany
“That’s three games and three wins, and we’re obviously very pleased. It’s great for our self-confidence, and also because we’re growing as a team. Ecuador weren’t really a measuring stick for what we’ll come up against in the Round of 16. The game was completely different in style from the one against Poland. It was played in really high temperatures and Ecuador wanted to keep things slow.

We know that the real World Cup is only just beginning. We’ll be playing teams of a different calibre now and the circumstances will be totally different. It’s not a problem for us that people see us as being among the favourites. It’s our home World Cup and we’ve got a very strong squad. People are starting to take notice of us, and that’s a good thing.

I’m really glad that Lukas Podolski scored. Goals are what a striker thrives on, and the lad really is unbelievably talented. Now he just has to keep on picking up more experience and try to get into a rhythm. What’s also good is that he’s got Miroslav Klose alongside him, who is really making his mark on the tournament. Miroslav Klose is currently showing exactly what he’s made of. The World Cup is a chance to stand out from the crowd and to step up to the next level. He’s in his prime, and is unbelievably hungry for goals. We’re all hoping that he’ll get on a roll and carry us through the tournament.”