Crestfallen Martin Skrtel has revealed his disappointment after an opening World Cup match draw with New Zealand.
The Slovakian defender was helpless as Winston Reid’s 94th minute header cancelled out Robert Vittek’s early second half opener to give the underdogs their first ever point in competition.
Slovakia had dominated a poor game and looked sure to kick-start their Group F campaign with three points but with seconds remaining Reid popped up to leave Liverpool’s Skrtel bitterly upset.
However the 25-year-old remained bullish his national side would make amends from the set-back when facing Paraguay in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.
Skrtel said: “Obviously we are very disappointed. They had maybe two clear chances and they scored with the final whistle.
“Unfortunately it was the same thing as against Cameroon (in a World Cup preparation game which also ended 1-1). We didn’t give them a lot of space. It was not an excellent performance but this is how you play in the World Cup. It is the result that counts.
“It would have been a huge step forward but we didn’t manage to hold on to three points. Nothing is lost though.
“It hurts today but we have two more matches to play in our group. We were very disappointed but, as I said, we have to go on.”
Meanwhile, England right-back Glen Johnson has told of his delight at being with the squad in South Africa.
“Every kid dreams of playing in the World Cup so it is a dream come true,” he said.
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