Croatia 1-0 Austria

By Brian Lofrumento | 8th June 2008

Croatia 1-0 Austria | read this item

Related News

Group B: Croatia 1 – 0 Austria
In a very similar game to the Switzerland one yesterday, co-hosts Austria played very well against favorites Croatia. Luka Modric, the 22 year old Croat who recently signed for Tottenham, scored from the penalty spot in the 4th minute. The tackle by Aufhauser leading to the penalty was a clumsy one and Croatia deserved their penalty.

In the 29th minute Austria got lucky as Emmanuel Pogatetz was burned for pace and the referee hesitated to award him a second yellow card. Later in the first half Croatia had one major opportunity. Petric was wide open 8 yards out from goal but went for the ambitious volley instead of collecting the ball and slotting it home. Austria gained confidence after this and pushed on, forcing a few saves from Croatian goalie Stipe Pletikosa.

In the second half it was all Austria. They came close many times as the home crowd urged them on, but in the end they just couldn’t find a way past Pletikosa.

Group B should be an interesting one. Croatia, who should be favorites to go through along with Germany, didn’t look all that strong. If Austria can get a result from Poland and Poland can hold Croatia (each of which are very possible) then anyone could make it to the next round.