Owen criticises South Africa trip

Last updated : 25 May 2003 By LFC Online

"Everyone knows the game was important to us but perhaps it was even more important to South Africa," said the Liverpool striker. "Our preparation wasn't great.

"We had a long flight and only one day or so before the game because we were going off to meet people.

"We didn't train at the normal times and we were signing autographs here and there.

"So it wasn't the normal preparation, although we always realised it was a trip where we had to do other things.

"But we also had come here and we had to do our job - to play the game and get a result. So, after not the best preparation, it was very pleasing to win."