|
Kohler slams referee after defeat by Croatia
Posted: Saturday July 04, 1998 06:29 PM
LYON, July 4 (Reuters)- Germany defender Juergen Kohler slammed Norwegian referee Rune Pedersen for his side's 3-0 defeat by Croatia in a World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday.
"In my opinion that was a wrong sending-off -- sure it was a foul, but I was the last man [in the defense] and I think that referee lost it for us," Kohler said.
Croatia scored their first goal about five minutes after Christian Woerns was sent off in the first half for a foul on Croatian striker Davor Suker.
"We had some great chances and the team should not blame themselves. We gave everything and I think the score was two goals too high.
"How that goal happened hurt me. For me today the referee lost this game," said Kohler who retired after the game.
"When I see the foul by [Roberto] Carlos against Denmark, I laugh myself sick."
Croatia coach Miroslav Blazevic said, "I am absolutely delighted with this historic result; never has Croatia come so far and done so much.
"Germany showed their typical character, determination and spirit. It's true that after the sending off it made it difficult for them but that doesn't take anything away from our result.
"We had a hard and tough game but now we have to think very seriously about France. We're proud to have the opportunity to play against France in such a beautiful stadium. I hope we can put on such a performance there as we did here tonight"
Croatia goalkeeper Drazen Ladic said his side weas the best in the world. "We played extremely well. We deserved this win," Ladic said.
Asked whether the sending off had made a big difference to the result, Ladic said: "Yes but nonetheless we played very well. We're all very proud of the forwards. Tonight we were the best in the world.
"This is not the end. We are going all the way."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
| 
