Advocaat disappointed by Russia exit

17 June 2012 01:19

Russia coach Dick Advocaat has lamented his side's elimination from Euro 2012 after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Greece on Saturday.

The Russians, semi-finalists in 2008, began the day in top spot in Group A, only needing a draw against the Euro 2004 winners to advance to the last eight.

However, they were lethargic at the National Stadium in Warsaw, and were made to pay when Giorgos Karagounis struck in the second minute of added time at the end of the first half to secure progression.

Advocaat, who is set to take the reins at PSV, paid tribute to the Greeks before offering his thoughts on the failed campaign.

"We played quite well, pushed forward but the other team defended well. I thought we played really well in the first half," the Dutchman said after the game.

"Giving respect to Greece, they were hard to play against in the second half.

"I'm not really too interested in what others say about me. My staff worked really hard, we were undefeated for 16 matches.

"We were unfortunate. We should have won today but that's football so compliments to Greece."