ROME – Comments from gold medallist Morgan CROCE (ITA) and silver medallist Stefano DE FRANCESCO (ITA) after CROCE won 3-2 in the final of the Traditional Cup at the FISTF World Cup in Rome on Friday.
Morgan CROCE (ITA)
On the tournament:
“I knew that probably in the elimination rounds there were really strong players against whom I could have lost. Then to play against Stefano, who I played against a month ago in the Italian final, it was a honour to play against him again.”
On his goal to make it 2-0 on the stroke of halftime:
“It was fundamental because I knew that I needed another goal to play a little bit more relaxed, definitely.”
On his career:
“I have played table football and Subbuteo for many years. But first, I play football and now I coach football. I am always busy with work on the weekend and I can only play a little bit (of table football), so I am very happy with what I’ve been able to do.”
Stefano DE FRANCESCO (ITA)
On the final:
“My opponent was better than me. When you lose while playing your best and your opponent was better, you congratulate him and accept the defeat.
“I knew we were probably the two best players but he was a tiny bit better than me.”
On whether he is happy with silver:
“No, but I accept it because it’s what I deserved.”
FISTF News nl/spd