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Bruckner's future uncertain after Greek tragedy
"It's too soon to decide whether I'll be staying for the World Cup," Czech coach Karel Bruckner said. Pics »
Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner said it was too early to say whether he would remain in charge after his side's Euro 2004 semi-final loss to Greece on Thursday.
Asked about his future at the post-match press conference the 64-year-old shrugged: "It's too soon after this match to speak about whether I'll be staying for the World Cup in Germany."
Bruckner almost prophetically had spoken the day before about the "thin line" between winning and losing, and they don't come much thinner than a silver goal in the final minute of extra time.
"Strangely that was the first goal we've conceded from a corner after three years and 30 matches in charge as coach," said Bruckner who was recording his first defeat in a competitive match in his two years in charge - the other two being losses in friendlies to Japan and the Republic of Ireland.
"It just goes to show how dangerous the final minutes of a match are. But we ourselves produced the setpiece."
Bruckner, who cuts something of a dashing figure on the touchline with his silver mane and impeccably tailored dark suit, is renowned as one of the game's master tacticians.
But ironically his first substitution was an enforced one when inspirational captain Pavel Nedved hobbled off with a knee injury in the first half.
Asked about the Juventus forward's condition he said: "I can't tell you how serious his injury is, I'll leave it to the specialist."
Reflecting on his favourites being upstaged by the pre-tournament outsiders Bruckner who took over after the 2002 World Cup said: "In my opinion it ressembled the game between the Netherlands and Sweden (which ended in penalties) but for us it wasn't successful.
"We played well in the second half but our rivals were more productive."
He made a point of paying tribute to the Greek team.
"I'd like to congratulate cordially our Greek opponents. I've seen Greece against Spain and France and they play very effective football - and of course I cordially hope for them they play effective football in the final.
"The defensive part of their play is very good,."
Despite the result he said he was not leaving Portugal with a heavy heart.
"It's absolutely not a bitter end - I've told the boys I'm proud of them. And our captain, Pavel Nedved, has told the team this is the best one he's ever played with (he also played in the team that lost in the Euro 96 final)."
