Bilic's farewell not the one he wanted
Source: AFP |
June 20, 2012, Wednesday
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AFTER an opening performance that raised hopes of a return to its glory days, Croatia's failure to reach the Euro quarterfinals was a bitter blow for outgoing coach Slaven Bilic, who had aimed to leave on a high.
The 43-year-old had already been due to step down following the tournament after six years in charge and move into club management at Russia's Lokomotiv Moscow.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone at the Croatian FA, they gave me a chance as a young coach, my technical staff have been great over the last six years," Bilic said after a 0-1 defeat to defending European champion Spain ended his country's hopes.
All the more cruel for Bilic was the fact that Monday's defeat came only through an 88th-minute goal, and after Croatia had a good number of chances to take the lead.
It was a very different story from its crushing 3-1 defeat of Group C underdogs Ireland in its opening match, after which it went on to hold Italy 1-1 to boost its chances of reaching the knockout stage.
Croatia had shaken off the impact of injuries that sidelined several key players, including midfielder Ivo Ilicevic, defender Dejan Lovren and veteran striker Ivica Olic. But after the defeat to Spain, a glum Bilic acknowledged that the Spanish was on another level.
"Some teams can beat Spain, but it's not easy. We knew we'd have two or three opportunities. It's not easy when you play against Spain. You have to score when you have the chance," he said. "We all know they are world and European champions. They want trophies. They are the best team in the world," he added.
The 43-year-old had already been due to step down following the tournament after six years in charge and move into club management at Russia's Lokomotiv Moscow.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone at the Croatian FA, they gave me a chance as a young coach, my technical staff have been great over the last six years," Bilic said after a 0-1 defeat to defending European champion Spain ended his country's hopes.
All the more cruel for Bilic was the fact that Monday's defeat came only through an 88th-minute goal, and after Croatia had a good number of chances to take the lead.
It was a very different story from its crushing 3-1 defeat of Group C underdogs Ireland in its opening match, after which it went on to hold Italy 1-1 to boost its chances of reaching the knockout stage.
Croatia had shaken off the impact of injuries that sidelined several key players, including midfielder Ivo Ilicevic, defender Dejan Lovren and veteran striker Ivica Olic. But after the defeat to Spain, a glum Bilic acknowledged that the Spanish was on another level.
"Some teams can beat Spain, but it's not easy. We knew we'd have two or three opportunities. It's not easy when you play against Spain. You have to score when you have the chance," he said. "We all know they are world and European champions. They want trophies. They are the best team in the world," he added.
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