Hiddink gracious in defeat

Dutchman concedes Spain deserve final spot

Last updated: 26th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hiddink gracious in defeat

Hiddink: No complaints

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Guus Hiddink accepted his team were second best after watching Russia fall 3-0 to Spain in Thursday's Euro 2008 semi-final.

Russia failed to ever hit the peaks of their quarter-final defeat of Holland and following a goalless first half were chasing shadows after the interval.

In the group stages Spain hammered Russia 4-1 and while Hiddink's side will feel they improved on that display, there was only ever likely to be one winner once Xavi broke the deadlock.

Further goals from substitute Daniel Guiza and David Silva saw Russia well beaten and at the final whistle, Hiddink was typically gracious in defeat.

"We lost to a really good team from Spain," said the 61-year-old Dutchman.

"The Spanish were excellent and deserved their victory. I am obviously disappointed by the result, but despite that I am proud of my team."