Russian national football team coach Dick Advokat was overjoyed with yesterday’s 4-1 thrashing of the Czech Republic.

He sounded a cautionary note, however, by saying that the team still has to work on developing its game. “We weren’t able to find our game at the start and we were subject to serious pressure. After our first goal we were able to maintain control of the game.”

Advokat said he would rely on Verzhakov in the next game as well. “If you make a decision you have to stick to it. Verzhakov played a good open game ad he battled all the way.”

The coach of the Czech Republic's team Mikhal Bilek said his team played well at the beginning, but that they allowed a goal after losing the ball.

Bilek confessed that Russia was a strong team. “Naturally, we are disappointed. We still believe that we can win our next two matches and make it to the quarter finals. Russia is the clear favorite in our group and we have our work cut out for us.”

The Czech coach noted that his team had lost not due to their own mistakes but because Russia was the better team yesterday and worthy of winning.

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