Russia coach Guus Hiddink was delighted to see his side qualify for next summer's European Championships at the expense of England, but likened his team's bumpy progress through Group E to a nervy game of Russian roulette.
Dmitri Sychev scored Russia's all important goal just before the break to secure a 1-0 win over Andorra in Wednesday's must-win game, while England suffered a 3-2 home defeat by Croatia.
Russia headed into the game knowing only victory would be good enough after losing to Israel at the weekend, while they also needed Croatia, who had already secured their finals berth, to win at Wembley with England only need a point to qualify.
But while Mladen Petric's 77th minute strike secured victory for Croatia after England had fought back from 2-0 down, Hiddink's side survived a missed penalty from Denis Kolodin and the late dismissal of Andrei Arshavin to claim the crucial three points to edge put Steve McLaren's side by one point.
"If you are Russian, you are able to get a pistol, you have six holes where you can put bullets, one hole is empty, and you are capable of having five bullets and not hurting yourself. That's what we did. It was like Russian roulette but we are there," said Hiddink.
"We have suffered a lot, and it was a rather difficult game tonight. We had a glass of beer to celebrate after the game and I spoke to the players afterwards to congratulate them. I told them I am proud of what they have achieved but there was also some criticism because of this Russian roulette. They are playing with the health of my colleagues and also mine."
Hiddink was also grateful to Croatia and coach Slaven Bilic after the Group E winners pulled off a shock win at Wembley to ensure Russia's participation in next summer's showcase in Austria and Switzerland.
"There was a lot in the international media talking about bonuses and conspiracies, but sport has won a lot tonight. Because Israel played a very intense game against us and they won, and the same I can say tonight about Croatia, so I would like to compliment the Israel coach and the Croatia coach, and the players as well," he said.
"One was to our disadvantage, the other one to our advantage, it is truly sportsmanship and I will thank Mr. Bilic for his sportsmanship."
Russia have been handed a place in pot four alongside France, Poland and Turkey ahead on December 2 draw, meaning Hiddink's side could potentially be drawn in a group alongside Holland, Germany and World Cup winners Italy.
But former Holland, South Korea and Australia coach Hiddink admitted he thought his side's hopes of qualifying were over following their defeat in Israel on Saturday.
"It is not a miracle, but a slight reality, we had a small possibility and we made it," he added. "I am not religious and I don't believe in miracles. But I didn't think it would happen, I was miserable. But my partner believed in the little escape and she was right."
Russia headed into the game knowing only victory would be good enough after losing to Israel at the weekend, while they also needed Croatia, who had already secured their finals berth, to win at Wembley with England only need a point to qualify.
But while Mladen Petric's 77th minute strike secured victory for Croatia after England had fought back from 2-0 down, Hiddink's side survived a missed penalty from Denis Kolodin and the late dismissal of Andrei Arshavin to claim the crucial three points to edge put Steve McLaren's side by one point.
"If you are Russian, you are able to get a pistol, you have six holes where you can put bullets, one hole is empty, and you are capable of having five bullets and not hurting yourself. That's what we did. It was like Russian roulette but we are there," said Hiddink.
"We have suffered a lot, and it was a rather difficult game tonight. We had a glass of beer to celebrate after the game and I spoke to the players afterwards to congratulate them. I told them I am proud of what they have achieved but there was also some criticism because of this Russian roulette. They are playing with the health of my colleagues and also mine."
Hiddink was also grateful to Croatia and coach Slaven Bilic after the Group E winners pulled off a shock win at Wembley to ensure Russia's participation in next summer's showcase in Austria and Switzerland.
"There was a lot in the international media talking about bonuses and conspiracies, but sport has won a lot tonight. Because Israel played a very intense game against us and they won, and the same I can say tonight about Croatia, so I would like to compliment the Israel coach and the Croatia coach, and the players as well," he said.
"One was to our disadvantage, the other one to our advantage, it is truly sportsmanship and I will thank Mr. Bilic for his sportsmanship."
Russia have been handed a place in pot four alongside France, Poland and Turkey ahead on December 2 draw, meaning Hiddink's side could potentially be drawn in a group alongside Holland, Germany and World Cup winners Italy.
But former Holland, South Korea and Australia coach Hiddink admitted he thought his side's hopes of qualifying were over following their defeat in Israel on Saturday.
"It is not a miracle, but a slight reality, we had a small possibility and we made it," he added. "I am not religious and I don't believe in miracles. But I didn't think it would happen, I was miserable. But my partner believed in the little escape and she was right."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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