Djourou unfazed by facing Shevchenko

Switzerland youngster Johan Djourou stressed he is not nervous ahead of Ukraine's test in the second round of the World Cup on Monday.

كتب : Amro Hassan

الأحد، 25 يونيو 2006 - 21:58
Switzerland youngster Johan Djourou stressed he is not nervous ahead of Ukraine's test in the second round of the World Cup on Monday.

The 19-year-old Djourou has the daunting task of marking Ukraine's captain and star striker Andriy Shevchenko, replacing his Arsenal team mate Philippe Senderos, who was ruled out of the tournament with a dislocated shoulder.

"For me football is a game that I love to play, so I don't really get the nerves, for me football is a joy and I want to play in every game," Djourou told FIFAworldcup.com.

"I've confidence in my abilities, it's natural to get a little bit nervous but for me I like to concentrate on positive things and make my game better."

Switzerland topped Group G in the World Cup as they beat Togo and Korea after holding favorites France to a goalless draw in the opener.

These classy displays in the group stage were another reason for Djourou's confidence.

"Ukraine are a very dangerous team, they've one of the best strikers in the world Andriy Shevchenko but we know also know we're a good team," Djourou said.

"We know we've the quality to win and now we have to take our chance, not conceding a goal in the group stage is a tremendous achievement."