Czech Republic’s Michal Bilek: We Played A Good Game But Spain Were Better

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek admits that he is disappointed with his team’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in their Group I Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday evening but is satisfied with his players’ performance.

Jaroslav Plasil gave the Czechs the lead in Granada after 29 minutes but David Villa equalised on 69 minutes and three minutes later put his side 2-1 to the good from the penalty spot.

“From the start, Spain were the big favourites and with this victory they have virtually qualified for the European Championships,” said Bilek, according to Lidovky.cz. “We are pretty disappointed because we could have done more, although Spain always have an advantage against any team.

“They played a good game and it was what we expected. We held the lead for quite a long time but then we were punished twice by Villa. I must say that my players worked exactly as I imagined they would. We gave our best and, unfortunately, we got nothing.”

The Czech Republic are currently second in the group with six points from four matches, six behind leaders Spain.