Shagov says there is more to come from Russia
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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Aleksandr Shagov conceded Russia did not play particularly well in their 3-1 victory over Belgium, whose impending elimination was attributed to individual errors by coach Jean-Marie Greven.
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Russia coach Aleksandr Shagov says his side will need to improve if they are to progress in the tournament despite getting off the mark in Group A with a 3-1 win against Belgium. Jean-Marie Greven was left ruing costly individual errors that mean his side cannot now qualify for the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship semi-finals.
Aleksandr Shagov, Russia coach
It was our last chance to avoid going out and to keep our hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. We played poorly in the first half and had to think how to change things at half-time. We were better in the first match against Italy; today we won despite not playing as well. But that's football: sometimes you play well and lose and other times you play badly and win.
Our next match will be tough because Switzerland are getting better every year. They have many players who play in Germany which helps them develop and it's clear the Swiss Football Association is taking great care with the development of women's football at both U17 and U19 level. To win we need the right atmosphere in the squad, we need all our players fit, we need the right game plan and we need the right motivation. And of course, you always need a bit of luck.
Jean-Marie Greven, Belgium coach
I'm a little disappointed because we tried to play some good football, an offensive, attractive style which we hoped would be good enough to win – but like the first match, individual errors cost us. That is our weak point and if we are to improve we must find a solution for this Achilles heel. Unfortunately, it's the second time in a row that it's happened; it was the same players involved and so now we must do everything to pick them up and restore their morale. They are on the floor right now, but they have to learn. Nonetheless, we deserved to win.
We played well as a team, we were well organised, with a game plan to attack with different players at different times. Tessa Wullaert played very well but without the hard work of her team-mates she would not have been able to exert such an influence. We were desperate to reach the semi-finals but as we're now going home we want to go out with a bang and a spectacular match [against Italy] on Sunday. I will give a chance to those younger players who are emerging as they deserve their opportunity to shine.
