Courtesy: UEFA.com

Stríz signs off on low note

Thursday, 17 February 2005

There was naturally a positive air from the Ukraine and Russian camps following their progress to the semi-finals to meet Spain and Italy respectively. The Netherlands were also upbeat after gaining their first points but the mood was not so bright for the Czech Republic as the hosts went out with defeat and Michal Stríz bid farewell as coach. uefa.com rounds up the reaction from the concluding day of Group A action.

Ukraine 2-1 Russia

I think in this game we deserved everything we got. There was no need to motivate the players because their eyes were full of fire. We have beaten very strong opposition and I am sure Russia will qualify for the final so I am very proud to have beaten such a good team. (Ukraine coach Gennadiy Lysenchuk)

I get the impression that the team was not psychologically prepared for this match. We seemed to lack motivation whereas the Ukrainian players went out and played for their lives because they needed to win. We had moments of good play and created chances but we did not score them and conceded two. (Russia coach Oleg Ivanov)

Netherlands 4-3 Czech Republic

We played well but I must be honest - I thought we played well in the first two games as well. When we left home we knew we only got one point in 2001 and we were hoping to improve on that. Also it was important for us to get a victory as it means more funding for us in future, especially to help develop our youth players. We played very well in the first half. We tried to stretch the game to keep the Czechs out. In the second half we had some luck, as with their power and pressure it could easily have been 4-4. We got the luck we lacked in the first few games. (Netherlands coach Vic Hermans)

First of all I would like to congratulate my great friend the Netherlands coach on his victory. Of course the biggest feeling for us is disappointment. Prior to the championship, I said I would leave the national team after ten years. I was hoping my last game with the national team might be more successful. Unfortunately again it was proved that our quality is not consistent. We have been going up and down during games. (Czech Republic coach Michal Stríz)