
Croatian football fans who are finding it hard to come to terms with their sides traumatic defeat in the Euro 2008 quarter-final by Turkey have help at hand - a newspaper has enrolled the services of a psychiatrist, the AFP reported on Monday.
Daily newspaper Jutarnji List called on Mirela Vlastelica to give some sound medical advice to their readers, who were left shattered after Turkey leveled with the last kick of the match, in which Croatia scored a minute from the end of extra-time to lead the game, and then won 3-1 on penalties.
Jutarnji List recalled that the difficult and unexpected defeat had thrown the whole country into a depression, citing one supporter who said the defeat had been as painful as losing someone close to one.
Thus the paper called up Vlastelica to get her to give some practical advice on how to deal with the loss.
"The country must look to the future," advised Vlastelica.
"The supporters must think of September when the 2010 World Cup qualifiers begin.
"From now till then it is vital that you don’t disrupt your daily routine, do not stop working and above all do not take tranquilizers."
For those who have not enough strength to think about the 2010 World Cup she advises them to sympathize, which is according to her, a process by which one can get through things.
Croatia's players and management will never get over their penalty shootout defeat by Turkey, Slaven Bilic, Croatia's coach, said after Friday's game.
"This is a match that not only we will not forget but that will haunt us for the rest of our lives," Bilic said.
Hahaha.. wtf