We deserved to go out, says Russian coach

Russia fitness coach Raymond Verheijen believes his side deserved to bow out of Euro 2012 after the surprise 1-0 defeat by Greece in the final Group A clash on Saturday ended their involvement.

The 40-year-old Verheijen was appointed fitness coach of the Russian side by his countryman Dick Advocaat after working as assistant manager for the Wales national team until February of this year. Minutes after Russia’s defeat against Greece in Warsaw’s National Stadium, he tweeted his congratulations to the two teams who went through to the quarter-finals.

“Russia out. Totally deserved. In second-half 80% possession but no creativity so no scoring chances. Congratulations to Greece & Czech Republic.” Verheijen wrote on his Twitter account.