Zura laments sloppy Euro goal

Rangers defender Zura Khizanishvili admitted that the goal that ended his side’s Champions League dream had been a schoolboy error – but tipped victors Stuttgart to make a real impact in the knockout stages.

A goal in first-half stoppage time condemned Rangers to defeat in a game they had to win to have had any chance of progressing.

Defender Timo Wenzel was the man who provided it but the strike was the result of an unfortunate misunderstanding between Rangers duo Maurice Ross and Paolo Vanoli.

Both challenged for the same high delivery into the box from a free-kick move and the ball ended up bouncing off the Italian’s shoulder to the grateful Wenzel.

Khizanishvili said: “It was disappointing because that was the sort of goal you lose at kids’ school.”

Wenzel – a rare scorer – admitted he had been surprised to have been handed the chance in the first place.

He said: “I was aiming to get a header in but I slipped. I laughed, picked myself up – and scored the goal.”

Rangers created just one chance of note, an early effort that saw home goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand deny Fernando Ricksen with an outstretched leg after a fine move had opened up the defence.

Khizanishvili said: “We had a great chance through Fernando Ricksen but it just wasn’t to be for us. That is the way it goes in football and Hildebrand showed just how good a keeper he is.”

The result confirmed Stuttgart’s place in the next phase of the competition and if they avoid defeat at Manchester United in the final group game they will end up topping the table.

Khizanishvili said: “We have lost to a very good team – one that I think will go on to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

“They are maybe just short of what is needed to win the competition but they are a cunning side all right.”

Rangers must now avoid losing at home to Panathinaikos in their final fixture to book a place in the UEFA Cup as consolation.

Khizanishvili said: “We have to get over this and think now about the UEFA Cup. That is all that is left for us. But I enjoyed the Champions League and have learned so much from these five games.

“I am just determined to get back into the competition next year and face the likes of Manchester United again.”