Pilar: Czech Republic weren't prepared for Russia

Posted Saturday, June 09, 2012 by Goal.com

Czech Republic winger Vaclav Pilar has claimed his side were not prepared enough going into their 4-1 Euro 2012 loss to Russia on Friday evening.

The Russians raced into a 2-0 half-time lead through Alan Dzagoev and Roman Shirokov before Pilar's strike early in the second half looked to have given his side a chance.

However, a second from Dzagoev and a fine finish from substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko ensured a comfortable victory for Dick Advocaat's men.

And Pilar has now expressed his belief that the defeat was a result of his side underestimating their opponents and not preparing properly.

“We made many mistakes,” Pillar told reporters. “As if we weren't prepared well enough.

“We wanted to get back into the game but as soon as we lost our breath they scored two more. They hit us.

“We have played the way they wanted, we gave it to them and sadly we played their game. We knew they were a very good team but they turned out even better.

“We hoped that we can still get the result at half-time but it seems that all the effort was for nothing. It will be tough to show that we are still good, especially after getting result like this. But we believe.”