Euro2008: Croats Stumble To Victory, Germans Throw Down The Gauntlet

Yesterday it was Group B’s turn to stake their claims for the European crown, with Croatia up against Austria, the co-hosts, first on the schedule. It was a match which should have been a simple formality; the Austrians had neven before participated in a European Championships tournament, and it was only due to the fact that they are the joint hosts of the event that they even made it this year. However, everything they lacked in quality and ability, they made up for with fight and determination. This was a side that knew they were out of their depth, yet were determined to do their utmost to provide a shock, if not for themselves for the thousands of Austrians who have been whole-heartedly supporting their nation.

If Croatia had not been awarded a fourth-minute penalty, who knows what would have happened in Vienna, as the Croats looked shaky and anything but serious contenders in this competition. Before the tournament there were quite a few who secretly fancied Slaven Bilic’s side to ruffle a few feathers; after all, qualification at England’s expense in Group E was an achievement in itself, yet a clear message of intent to the rest of the continent. When Ivica Olic, the Croatian striker, was felled inside the area with a clumsy challenge from Rene Aufhauser, there was only ever going to be one outcome. It was a stone-wall penalty, and no matter how hard the host nation protested, the referee made the correct decision. The finish from twelve yards was as cool a penalty kick as you are likely to see all summer, rolled down the middle by the impressive Luka Modric.

The midfield playmaker, signed by Tottenham Hotspur for £16.5m subject to the successful granting of a work permit, was excellent in midfield.