Togo determined to put troubles behind them

WANGEN, Germany, June 17 (Reuters) Togo can put their chaotic start to the World Cup behind them and make an impact at the tournament, two of the team's players said today.

The West African nation are making their first appearance at the finals but their preparations were disrupted by a row over player payments and the walkout and subsequent return of coach Otto Pfister in the days before their first game.

Striker Mohamed Kader Coubadja said the team were totally focused on Monday's Group G game with Switzerland following a 2-1 defeat by South Korea in their first game.

''We had good chances to win after I scored against South Korea,'' Coubadja told Reuters. ''We had a lot of chances and I am sure we can create a lot against Switzerland.

''We feel we can win and we want to put the stories of everything else behind us now. The dispute over money and the coach is not finally finished, but it is more or less done.

''We have tried not to let it affect us. We are footballers and we here for the World Cup, to play our games, not to talk about other things.'' The striker, who plays in France for Guingamp, gained overnight fame in Africa by scoring the late goal that earned Togo qualification by winning 3-2 away to Congo and also struck the opener against South Korea in their 2-1 defeat.

''It was a great feeling to score that goal, but it was a big disappointment to lose the game,'' he added. ''We want to show our best in Dortmund so people know what we can do.'' Switzerland drew 0-0 with France in their first game.

Midfielder Alaixys Romao said: ''We have a strong offensive team, we can score goals and I think we can do well against the Swiss.

They have a good defence, but we have a strong team and we are motivated well.

''We never allowed the dispute about the money or the coach to affect us. That was happening outside the squad. It was not for us to worry about. For us, the only thing that matters now is the football and the game against Switzerland.'' The Togo squad have no fresh injuries, said Romao. ''We have a good atmosphere now, everyone is training very well, very hard. We want to win and we want to enjoy the World Cup.

Togo face France, where most of their squad have gained valuable experience, in their final game in Cologne on June 23.'' REUTERS MP PM2204