Bilic: We can take on world

Jun 22 2008

CROATIA boss Slaven Bilic admits getting over the hurt of his side's Euro 2008 exit won't be easy - but is backing his troops to bounce back by blazing a trail to the World Cup finals.

The Croats looked set for the semi-finals on Friday when Ivan Klasnic headed them in front in the last minute of extra-time.

But Turkey somehow conjured up a dramatic leveller then won 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out.

Gutted Bilic said: "This won't be easy to forget. But we must move on and we have a young team.

"The World Cup qualifiers are imminent and tomorrow is a new day. We will weep for a few more days but my boys will come back stronger."