Source: Xinhua
06-08-2008 10:22
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsBASEL, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Czech coach Karel Bruckner admitted lucky to record three points in Group A from the Euro 2008 opener over co-hosts Switzerland here on Saturday, but insisted better performance to come as the finals progress.
"It was not our best performance, but we will improve," said Bruckner.
The Czech have been made to fight all the way by the Swiss but an opportunist goal in the 71th minute from substitute Vaclave Sverkos decided the encounter.
Besides the heartbroken 1-0 defeat, Swiss also lost their captain Alexander Frei to serious injury in a double piece of bad luck.
"Normally, I don't speak about feelings, but we did a good job," Bruckner told press at a post-match press conference. "We won and started the tournament successfully. It is very positive for progressing in the group."
"The first match is always very difficult and three points represents an excellent start," he added. "We were not at our best, but we can play better and we will play better."
Frei, captain and top scorer of the Swiss, went off tearfully with a left knee injury just before halftime and came back to the bench later on crutches. His tournament might be over.
Substitute Hakan Yakin wasted the best chance of Switzerland in the 66 minute when Lazio defender Valon Behrami burst forward on the right and lifted a great cross into the unmarked midfielder, who headed one-meter wide of the right post.
They were unlucky not to equalize when Tranquillo Barnetta hit the underside of the bar with a fierce shot and even unluckier when they were not awarded a penalty when a Czech player handled in the area.
Editor:Xiong Qu
