Blokhin happy with Cinderella story
Blokhin happy with Cinderella story
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Monday, 19, Jun 2006 10:51
Ukrainian coach Oleg Blokhin has likened his side's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia to a fairytale.
The eastern Europeans now have a good chance of reaching the last 16 of the World Cup as if they can avoid defeat against Tunisia on Friday they will be through.
Blokhin admitted he was delighted with his team's display and the turnaround from the 4-0 defeat to Spain was like a miracle.
"It's a little bit like Cinderella as the pumpkin turned into a beautiful coach and the other animals turned into wonderful horses," Blokhin said.
"We knew it was a decisive match for us and we turned things around so we now need to succeed against Tunisia."
Blokhin's remarks were in complete contrast to after the match against Spain, where he lambasted his side's lack of fight.
Despite being on the end of a similar 4-0 thumping, Saudi Arabian coach Marcos Paqueta was more upbeat regarding his side's efforts.
"They tried and tried the whole way and when you give all your effort, you're satisfied with what you've done," Paqueta said.
"We will have to concentrate on the match against Spain but we will get all the players involved and take care of the speed of the Spanish team."
Spain face Saudi Arabia in Kaiserslautern, while Ukraine play Tunisia in Berlin.