Czech crowd cheers Stríz

Czech Republic 2-1 Ukraine

It was a difficult game but we kept going. The crowd were great for us and we want to thank them. The first half was very tactical and neither side wanted to lose. After Roman Mareš was injured, we focused on defence and tried to achieve the victory. The game in the second half was not so good for the fans but the important thing was the result. (Czech Republic coach Michal Stríz)

We have to keep our heads up and look to the future. Everything is possible. We have to win the two remaining games and hope to qualify after that. In this match, we had loads of shots but they either went wide or straight at the Czech goalkeeper, who had an excellent game. We will analyse our performance, and look to how we can win the next two matches. (Ukraine coach Gennadiy Lysenchuk)

Russia 5-3 Netherlands

In the first half we managed to fulfil our objectives but during the second half our players made mistakes. In the closing stages, we forced the players to pick up the pace as much as possible and this helped us. They are very strong opponents. We didn't expect it and that is why victory is so pleasing for us. (Russia coach Oleg Ivanov)

I told the boys to go for it in the second half and they did just that. However, they scored quick goals and we also conceded from a corner which is a standard situation to defend. After we made it 2-2 we went a little backwards. I felt we sat back and gave the Russians the chance to come back. (Netherlands coach Vic Hermans)