Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner refused to blame his players after their silver goal defeat in the Euro 2004 semi-finals by Greece on Thursday. "We are disappointed with the result but that's all," Bruckner said after they lost 1-0 in Porto.
"I have told the boys that I am proud of every one of them.
"Our captain Pavel Nedved has told them in the dressing room that this is the best international team he has ever played with."
Bruckner was keen to pay tribute to the Greeks following their 1-0 victory, which came when Dellas scored in the last minute of the first period of extra-time.
"I must congratulate our Greek opponents on their very clever tactical approach and hope it goes well for them in the final," he said.
 |  At the end God gave us the win |
"We played comparatively well in the second half but they were more effective than us." Bruckner said the manner of Greece's goal came as a surprise.
"In three years as coach and 30 matches we have conceded a goal from a corner for the first time and in the very last seconds," he said.
"It proves that the last minute is always a dangerous time."
The Czechs received a blow before half-time when Nedved was forced off just before half-time with a knee problem.
When asked if he was seriously injured, Bruckner said: "We cannot say yet how serious it is."
Bruckner revealed that he had been planning to bring on substitute Marek Heinz just before Greece's winner, only for his plan to fall through.
MMIX
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