13/06/2002 (www.fcbayern.de)
Kahn & Co versus Roque in second round
Santa Cruz: 'We're on a high'
Bayern's Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz has one goal at the World Cup so far - exactly the margin by which his side edged out South Africa for the second qualifying slot in Group B, after the teams finished level on points and goal difference. Now, Santa Cruz finds himself up against club colleagues Oliver Kahn, Thomas Linke and company as Germany meet Paraguay for a place in the quarter-finals.
And the 20 year-old marksman was brimming with confidence ahead of Saturday's showdown: "We never give up, we never lose hope. If we can concentrate for the full 90 minutes, no one can stop us," he said in an interview after the Slovenia game.
Roque Santa Cruz, is the victory over Slovenia the biggest and most exciting moment of your short career to date?
Roque Santa Cruz: "Yes. It's the kind of thing you dream about as a little boy, kicking a football around in the street. To play in the World Cup finals, and to taste success as well - it's quite simply a dream come true."
What does the upcoming second-round clash with Germany mean to you personally?
Roque Santa Cruz: "It will be a new and exciting experience for me to play Germany. I'm quite sure every player finds it specially motivating to come up against the national side of the country you live in."
How do you rate Paraguay's chances?
Roque Santa Cruz: "We are riding the crest of a wave at the moment, and on the back of that, we can beat anyone."
Do you think coach Martini will ask your advice? What is the recipe for success against Germany?
Roque Santa Cruz: "No, Martini knows the German side well enough. I think Germany are strong both at the back and up front. The secret is simple: never doubt yourself, and always stay calm. And we've shown to date that we're very strong up front too."
What are Paraguay's strengths?
Roque Santa Cruz: "The best thing about us is that we never give up, we never lose hope. That shows we really do play as a team. If we can find it in us to concentrate for the full 90 minutes, no one can stop us."
Have you been in touch with Bayern recently?
Roque Santa Cruz: "No, nobody has been in touch. And I'm not about to phone my team-mates, because I left all my telephone numbers at home in Munich."
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