FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard admitted that he's watched all the matches of the FIFA World Cup in Germany on Television so far and could travel to Germany so observe some matches/players live in the stadiums.


Barca´s Rijkaard sums up the first round of matches in the group stages of the World Cup and expresses his delight about the Barça players that are taking part in the FIFA tournament. FC Barcelona Blog presents the exclusive interview Rijkaard gave on the official FC barcelona website:


FCB: Almost all the favourites have made a winning start. Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany, England...


Rijkaard:

"That is true. We have seen that to play at 3pm is very difficult because of the heat and the pitch, which does not allow for the ball to move around very quickly. The favourites have won games, but the tournament has still not developed as yet. That is to be expected though after a long season and everyone needs time to acclimatise. That was not the case for Spain though, who made a very strong start. The stronger teams have won, but not have been convincing."

FCB: What has been the thing that has impressed you most?


Rijkaard:

"Spain's victory has been the most impressive. I also liked watching Argentina. They looked very good. You also have to mention Brazil, who have some great players and when they all click can beat anyone. But this first set of matches has not been spectacular. Nobody has dominated, but teams will grow as the tournament goes on."

FCB: What did you think about the Holland team?


Rijkaard:

"In the first half against Serbia & Montenegro played well enough. The second half was not so great, but they deserved to win. In this phase points are important to help lift things among the players, to gain confidence and to stay in the competition."

Follow up:

FCB: Did the nature of Spain's win surprise you?


Rijkaard:

"If you look at the talent in the team that the result is not surprising, because Spain have some great players. The truth is that in the second half there appeared to be only one team out there. That is a sign of how well they played and how good they were and that it is important to have confidence."

FCB: Xavi and Carles Puyol both had good games.


Rijkaard:

"Xavi is a player that always helps the team to play and he did it again for Spain. Puyol also had a great game and did very well going forward, he even had an assist. I am pleased for them both and I also hope that Andrés Iniesta will be given a chance too."

FCB: What have you thought about your players so far?



Rijkaard:

"I saw Rafa Márquez playing in the centre of defence, but more to right-hand side. As captain of the team he played very well by changing the play and contributing a lot as well as moving into midfield. I thought he did very well. Van Bommel and Gio started for Holland and I thought Gio looked fresh, bearing in mind the season he has had. Ronaldinho, well speaking about Brazil in general, I thought that they suffered against Croatia. But he was very active and had a lot of the ball. Ronnie tried to help with a lot of passes. I think that he is focussed and could make the difference."

FCB: Is it more difficult for Ronaldinho to shine with Brazil than with Barça?


Rijkaard:

"Ronaldinho can shine in any team, as well as Brazil. But it all depends on how you see his place on the pitch. He always looks back to receive balls from his own half of the pitch which he then moves on. There are other players there that can also score goals and I think that he will be able to combine the two things. In the last match he played as a midfielder. He can be phenomenal for the team, but maybe for some people he will not do such spectacular things as they are used to him doing. But I am sure that he preparing to cause some sort of surprise."

FCB: Edmílson's injury is shame, no?


Rijkaard:

"Yes, that is true. He worked very hard to make it to the World Cup. I have talked to him and left messages on his phone. But he has won a lot during his career and is very strong. He will recover quickly."