Bilic philosophical at Euro exit

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic put on a brave face after his side went out of Euro 2008 on penalties to Turkey.

Croatia were set to go through to the semi-finals after taking the lead just before the end of extra-time but Turkey levelled and won the shootout 3-1.

"My players put in a heroic performance and I can have no complaints about any of them," said Bilic.

"Penalties are a lottery and the players felt confident enough to take the spot kicks."

Ivan Klasnic had put Croatia in front but Semih Senturk lashed in an equaliser to send the quarter-final tie to spot-kicks.

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Luca Modric and Ivan Rakitic each missed their penalties to seal Croatia's exit after a thrilling finale not in keeping with the rest of the game.

"I thought that it was finished, that we had won and then in a flash this fantastic goal by Semih," added Bilic, whose side are in the same group as England for the 2010 World Cup.

"After that, it was the drama of penalties. Oh well life goes on. Tomorrow is another day. We will now get back into the groove in the World Cup qualifiers."

"The pain of this defeat will stay with me for a long time"
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic

He added: "I want to congratulate both teams for a great game of football.

"This match shows why it's the most dramatic and most popular game in the world.

"I congratulate Turkey but we have beaten better opponents and the last two minutes I cannot begin to describe, both our goal and theirs and then penalties.

"The pain of this defeat will stay with me for a long time.

"It will haunt us forever."

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