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Poland players come to terms with elimination

Jakub Błaszczykowski said there had been "some wonderful moments" for the co-hosts in Group A but for the captain and Przemysław Tytoń disappointment was the overriding emotion.

The Poland players could not hide their agony
The Poland players could not hide their agony ©Getty Images

Jakub Błaszczykowski, with a breathtaking goal against Russia, and Przemysław Tytoń, with his penalty save in the opening match, provided two of Poland's "wonderful moments" in Group A, yet the pair and the rest of the squad are having to come to terms with failing to achieve their goal of a place in the quarter-finals following the defeat by the Czech Republic.

Jakub Błaszczykowski, Poland midfielder
First of all, I want to thank all our supporters. What we have experienced in the last few days was really great. We are really grateful for their support and their faith in us. Coming back to the match, we had some good chances in the first half but didn't score. We played a more open game in the second half. We were fully aware that we could be hurt by the Czechs' counterattacks. Unfortunately, they finished one of those with a goal.

Of course, it's difficult to assess things now but, all in all, there have been some good moments, wonderful moments, but we didn't reach our target. The final marks will always be negative. What was positive was that we competed against everyone on equal terms. We have had plenty of wonderful moments with the fans at this tournament. It's a pity it was so short and that we have already been knocked out. On behalf of the team, we are very, very grateful. We have to move on now. We have to think it over, but the experience that we gained here is essential.

Przemysław Tytoń, Poland goalkeeper
Why wasn't it possible? Because we didn't score one more goal than the Czechs. We had some chances in the first half but didn't score. They had one break and they scored a goal, and now the tournament is over for us.

They played just the way they have played in all of their previous matches. At least for the first 65 minutes, it was us who set the pace of the game. Just as I've said, in the first half we had a great number of opportunities, so it would have been great if we had taken them.