Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has backed his players to come back strongly from their Euro 2008 quarter-final defeat, although he admits the healing process may take some time.
Hopes of a first-ever European Championship semi-final appearance were crushed in heartbreaking fashion as they lost 3-1 on penalties to Turkey in Vienna.
Bilic's men looked to have claimed a last-four showdown with Germany on Wednesday when they took the lead through Ivan Klasnic in the 119th minute of the match.
However, victory was snatched from their grasp as first Semih Senturk struck deep into injury-time to level the scores and then in the penalty shoot-out as Croatia missed three of their four spot-kicks to tumble out of the tournament.
‘This certainly isn't easy to forget, this isn't simply a match you play every week. But of course on the other hand we have to move on, we have a young team,’ said Bilic, who side face Kazakhstan in their first World Cup qualifier on September 6.
‘The World Cup qualifies are imminent, tomorrow is a new day, the sun will rise, we will probably weep for a few more days, but such is life, things like this have happened before.
‘But my players have strong characters and will come back stronger.’
Bilic also had praise for midfielder Luka Modric, who missed Croatia's first penalty in the shoot-out after firing wide of the post.
‘Luka played phenomenally and he certainly didn't deserve to miss that penalty,’ said Bilic of the new Spurs signing.
‘Throughout this tournament he has played fantastically, but to be frank none of these players who played tonight deserved to miss a penalty.’
While Croatia side exit the tournament, Turkey will now start planning for their semi-final showdown against Germany.
Turkey have now recorded three successive comeback victories during Euro 2008, and Bilic believes if they continue battling the way they have been then there is no reason why they cannot overcome the Germans.
‘This is the third match they've won in extreme fashion and if they continue to be lucky, and don't give up, they might even reach the final,’ said Bilic, who believes Fatih Terim's side have an extra quality that has given them a special edge.
‘It is obvious they don't have only qualify but something else as well, and it is this something else that you need in football.’
‘Turkey have already shown that they are able to do anything, although having one day less rest than the Germans is a handicap, as well has having played this match with extra-time and penalties, this is very exhausting.
‘Turkey also have a number of injured payers and some were booked today, but some may came back. I am sure you won't give up.’
