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9 June 2023
Australia 3-2 Mediterranean Team : Post-game reactions
The second match day of the Maurice Revello Tournament 2023 continued today at the Stade d'Honneur in Mallemort. In the first match of Group B, Australia defeated the Mediterranean Team (3-2). Here are the reactions from players and coaches after the match.
Nordine Assami (Mediterranean Team head coach):
"Considering our performance, we can once again be disappointed. We started poorly in the first 15 minutes. We were up against a very good Australian team that played with great intensity. I believe our selection is not accustomed to playing every three days, which takes a toll on our players."
"Nevertheless, I am proud of the boys because we showed character by equalizing, which is significant given the team we assembled in just three days."
"In the last match, the goal is to give everyone a chance to play. All players should have the opportunity to participate. Physically, playing three matches in six days takes a toll on the body, so I will rotate the squad in the final match."
Tom Moustier (Mediterranean Team captain):
"I was named captain because I have always had leadership qualities since I was young. It was the coach's decision to entrust me with this responsibility, and I was honored to earn his trust."
"The positional change during the match was due to some physical issues. It also showcases my versatility. I usually play in midfield, but due to a slight injury, I moved back to the defense, as in the first match. If I need to make sacrifices for the team and fill in different positions, I do it gladly."
"We are naturally disappointed with the result because we could have reached the final on Monday against Qatar. But in high-level competition, any small mistake is punished, and that's what happened in both matches. The small details made a big difference. However, we still have one group match left on Monday. We know that this tournament receives a lot of attention, not all players are in professional clubs, and some are trying to revive their careers. This next match could be an opportunity for us to showcase ourselves."
Tony Vidmar (Australia head coach):
"We started well, I believe we controlled the game in the first 20 minutes when we scored two goals. But then, the Mediterranean team began to create more chances with the ball, and they were more effective than us. They made it difficult for us with their individual abilities."
"We needed to return to what we did at the start of the match, so we had to be a bit more patient with the ball. Towards the end of the first half, I felt we played too directly when it wasn't necessary. We lost possession too often, which gave momentum to the other team. That was something we improved upon, even though we didn't create many scoring opportunities. It was more about remaining calm and keeping possession."
"It will be a tough match, but it will also be a great game to play. I believe Mexico is a very good team, and that's why we came to this tournament, to face quality opponents."
Nisha Velupillay (Australia player):
"Yes, we started well apart from those two set pieces. We need to improve in that aspect, but I think the start was good. We just needed to stay focused."
"We just told ourselves that we needed to approach the second half with the same mindset, the same determination, start with energy, and make sure we don't make those mistakes on set pieces."
"The Mediterranean Selection is a very good, well-organized team. We enjoy competing against such teams. In this tournament, there are only strong teams; it's a very good tournament."
"We expect a tough match. We know that each game is different, but it will be equally challenging. So, we need to be prepared and hopefully achieve the desired result."
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