Euro 2008: Group B - (08/06/2008)Austria 0-1 Croatia

A very early penalty ensured an unconvincing Croatia full three points in the Group B game yesterday. In the 4th minute, Rene Aufhauser made a clumsy tackle on Ivica Olic, which resulted in him falling down. The referee was not at all impressed, and gave away the deserved penalty to the Croats. The new Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric calmly slotted the ball straight into the middle of the net, with the goalkeeper diving to his left.

In the first half hour, Croatia totally outplayed Austria. They were technically sound, and were beginning to look dangerous. But this side really missed one player - Arsenal forward Eduardo Da Silva. They didn't have any striker who could bring in the goals like he did. And they missed his calm and composed presence on the pitch. Olic and his fellow striker Petric both almost scored, but were denied by poor finishes with the head and left foot respectively.

Just before the second half, it was the big, strong outfit of Austria that showed it's dominance on the pitch. Sebastian Proedl and Aufhauser should have scored before half time, as Austria piled on the pressure. The second half started and Croatia were really struggling. The Austrian midfielders were doing a brilliant job, dribbling and tricking the Croatian players, who were left absolutely clueless. Plenty of chances for Austria in the second half, and the most notable one is Kienast's superb header in the final seconds of injury time, which missed the target. The visitors held on to take victory and they now occupy second spot, behind Germany only on Goal difference after Germany had beaten Poland 2-0.

Here are the highlights, courtesy TVGOLO!!

Modric, 4th minute, 0-1



First Half Highlights



Second Half Highlights