Inexperience cost us dear, says Voronkov

Andrei Voronkov said Belarus's lack of experience cost them dear as they let slip a one-goal advantage in the 89th minute of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-final against Spain.

The 22-year-old forward had given his side the lead on 38 minutes with an overhead finish and Belarus were seemingly destined for Saturday's final. However, Adrián López's 89th-minute equaliser took the game into extra time where Spain took control with Adrián's header and a Jeffren Suárez drive.

Voronkov, who was also on target in Belarus's Group A victory over Iceland, was withdrawn on 69 minutes with his team attempting to hold the initiative. After they were undone at the death in Viborg,  the FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih player conceded that Luis Milla's men had benefited from a bit too much know-how.

"It was a difficult game and I think we lack the experience in this type of match," said Voronkov. "The Spain boys play at a higher level in top European leagues whereas the majority of our lads play in the domestic championship in Belarus. We tried hard and fought hard to find a goal but unfortunately could not hold onto the lead."

With Belarus having held their much-vaunted opponents at arm's length for much of the contest, the No11 could also reflect on the underdogs' impressive game plan. "We played according to our strategy, which was to defend," he said. "Spain are a very strong opponent and they gave us practically no opportunities to attack. We used the good moments we had and tried to keep the lead but just couldn't hold onto it."

Attacking midfielder Dmitiri Baga echoed Voronkov's disappointment, but insisted that Belarus had to move on fast – they will bid to qualify for next year's Olympics by winning Saturday's third-place play-off against the Czech Republic. "Everyone is devastated, but that's football," said the 21-year-old from FC BATE Borisov. "We were minutes from qualifying for the final so maybe we were a bit nervous. Before the game I had said that we deserved to reach this stage but now we need to move forward. There's another match for us to qualify for the Olympics and we'll prepare for that."

Belarus captain Mikhail Sivakov also reflected on the critical timing of Spain's equaliser. "It would have been better if they had scored in the first half or after an hour, but not one minute from time. That's what hurts the most," said the hard-running Sivakov, 23. "Maybe we just lacked a bit of a concentration, maybe we weren't strong enough. Right now I feel depressed, so it's hard for me to find the right words."