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HIDDINK: WE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ARROGANT
After the match Russia vs. Wales the head coach of the Russian team
Guus Hiddink answered the questions of Sport Express.
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Photo: english.sport-express.ru
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"The match was the occasion where one can say everything
is well that ends well," said Hiddink. "I am really happy that
we started the qualification with a victory. But I cannot say the same
about the game."
"The first time we played on a very good level. I was pleased to
watch the team, they were enjoying the football, attacking both in the
center and from the wings. I assume that by the break we could have led
with a bigger score."
"Though everything could have been different if Akinfeev did not
save the penalty. He saved the team and inspired confidence in it. I can
say the Igor is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. And he has proved
it once more."
"In the second half the team have as if forgotten what they are supposed
to do. We became vulnerable in defence and looked undisciplined. But after
Wales scored nobody lost heart and started to stampede. I want to underline
that I am happy the team showed their character."
"I decided to substitute Semak and was not afraid that Pavlyuchenko
will impede him as we tried this combination on the training sessions.
I think Pogrebnyak and Pavlyuchenko can easily cooperate. By the way I
should have done something and Pogrebnyak scored."
"We should not have been so arrogant as to underestimate the opponent."
"I don't like to speculate on the problem of luck. But if to analyze
the match I can conclude that we lacked luck in the first half. Though
I think it is pointless to discuss it. The most important thing is that
we started the qualifying campaign with three points."
Sport
Express Daily, 11 Sep 2008
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