WROCLAW: Czech coach Michal Bilek admitted Russia's passing game had been too much for his side as they went down 4-1 to the Group A favourites in their European Championships opener on Friday.
Despite a bright opening the Czechs soon fell two goals behind and although they briefly rallied early in the second period, they were well beaten by the final whistle.
"I think we started well in the first 15 minutes, our passing was good and we created some chances but didn't finish them off," said Bilek.
"But then we lost the ball in our opponents' half, they broke quickly and that was our mistake.
"Russia are a really good team, they have good quality. Then I sent on Tomas Hubschman (at half-time) and tried to change things.
"We scored a goal but then lost the ball again, we lost energy and they punished us for this, and that's why the result was what it is.
"We had problems with the Russians' combinations, they created many chances," added Bilek.
Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech said his team had paid for their bright start.
"We got carried away by starting well and by the atmosphere and we wanted to score," he told Czech TV.
"There were too many of our players up front and that opened up gaps. Our opponents outnumbered us and with their quality they created scoring chances, scoring twice.
"When we came back in the second half I believed. There were attacks from both sides and it's a pity that they capitalised on two attacks while we failed to score another one." AFP
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