Janas happy with World Cup farewell
Janas happy with World Cup farewell
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Tuesday, 20, Jun 2006 08:02
Poland coach Pawel Janas has said he is pleased his team managed to score their first goals and get their first points in this year's World Cup, although he admits it does not take back the disappointment of making an early exit as they did four years ago.
Janas' men beat Costa Rica 2-1 in today's second group A game, although only pride was at stake after both teams had already been eliminated from the competition.
But the manager said: "It would have been a pity to go home without any points or goals.
"We were criticised because we couldn't score through set pieces but today we did and I'm happy. It was hot and I'm glad the team responded to my tactics."
Although he has faced calls for his resignation back in Poland, Janas explained that his sole intention now is about motivating his players for next season's European Championship qualification campaign.
"I have not thought about resigning and I am not going to decide right now," he explained.
But while Janas can take heart from finally getting off the board, there was no such consolation for Costa Rica manager Alexandre Guimaraes, who has seen his team lose their three group matches.
"We paid dearly for our distractions. They cost us in all three matches. Today, the goals came because of our carelessness at set plays," he said.
The Costa Rican captain Luis Marin echoed his manager's comments, as despite impressing going forwards the central American's defence let them down time and time again.
"The team played well but Poland took advantage of their corner kicks and their physical strength," he said.
Marin added: "We fought right to the end, though, and are going home with a clear conscience."