Czech Republic head coach Michal Bilek bemoaned the loss of Tomas Rosicky in his side's victory against Greece in Group A.
Czech boss happy with first-half display
Czech Republic head coach Michal Bilek bemoaned the loss of Tomas Rosicky in his side's victory against Greece in Group A as they kept alive their hopes of reaching the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.
Victory not only took the Czechs onto three points with a game to come against co-hosts Poland, but was also revenge for their defeat by the Greeks in the 2004 semi-finals in Portugal.
The Czechs made a dream start, scoring twice in the opening six minutes with Petr Jiracek and Vaclav Pilar on target and they held on for all three points despite Fanis Gekas' reply following Petr Cech's error.
"The changes (to the starting line-up) proved useful, we played a great first half, controlled the game, we soon scored twice, the first half was great," said Bilek.
"Tomas Rosicky picked up an injury and we missed his creative skills, we found it hard to create, we conceded a terribly stupid goal and then got under pressure.
"While its hard to tell the exact nature of it (Rosicky's injury) at the moment it's unpleasant, we have to hope he'll be all right."
"We missed him in the second half as he is a key player for us in attack as he can add tempo our game."
Bad goal
"We conceded a really bad goal, which gave Greece hope but we didn't allow them any clear chances. We defended well and are very happy that our hopes are still alive.
"The pressure on us was great and we knew if we lost it was the end for us but we showed our strength and we won."
Of Cech's mistake he added: "It was a mistake. Petr didn't communicate with Sivok and it was an unnecessary goal to concede."
Meanwhile, goalscorer Petr Jiracek was more relieved than ecstatic and immediately called on the side to remain focused.
"We've made it, the goal was really important, and we're very happy right now," said a relieved Jiracek.
"After five minutes we were on top, the crowd pushed us forward, but then we fell apart in the second half and had to fight till the end.
"We mustn't get too satisfied, we know we had to fight hard. Now we'll focus on the last game against Poland which will be terribly important and we've got to handle that."
