Ecuador celebrate their first win (Allsport)
JOZIC BLAMES TIMID CROATS
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Croatia coach Mirko Jozic blamed an over-cautious approach for their inability
to book a place in the next round.
The Croatians' 1-0 defeat to Ecuador allowed Italy an easy passage into the
last 16, even though they could only draw with Mexico tonight.
"The defence played too deep," said Jozic. "The plan was to hold it at
least 30 metres from our goal because we knew the strength of the Ecuador
players was their short passing and we wanted to close them down.
"Although I would not say we were nervous, some players did not do much.
"In the last few minutes we just could not concentrate but after a couple of
substitutions we started going forward more.
"We had two or three chances at the end but could not convert them. Ecuador
took advantage and held on."
Meanwhile, Ecuador coach Hernan Dario Gomez was in celebratory mood despite
their exit at the group stage.
The victory gave the World Cup debutants their first ever win at the finals.
"This team has written themselves into the history book," he said.
"I am sure the country will be celebrating with us this evening.
"This win will now give us some confidence to move on from here.
"It will also get the Ecuador people behind us more than when we lost our
first two games."
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