Stanković: "Another step forward, with players the heroes"

Romano and Fortino secured Italy the semi-final berth at the UEFA Futsal Euro in Belgium. Jelovčić was on target for Croatia, with all of the goals scored in the first ten minutes.

"I would not say that we opened the match badly, but that we were caught off guard to concede the goal. We were not smart enough at the beginning, and people tend to forget that Italy is the third best team in the world", said Mato Stanković, Croatia head coach, after the match.

After two draws in the group stage, against Spain and Czech Republic, Croatia showed how to cope with Italy as well.

"Realistically, we were not at our best, even though we managed to be at the same level as Italy during the most of the match. In the last minutes we had two or three very good chances. We have to be satisfied, the comments are positive and I believe we have made another step forward. I also feel regret, since we have deserved not to go home, though Italy was better maybe by that one goal", said Stanković.

Croatia can go home with its head held high.

"No one wants to lose in a sports tournament, especially after coming this close to success. We know how large is the gap between Italian and Croatian futsal, and we are sad that we haven't exploited everything that was offered to us. However, these players are heroes and deserve all the praise for reaching the quarterfinals", concluded the head coach.

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