On, 10th June, David Villa became the first player to score a hat-trick for Spain in an European Championship match, when he netted Spain’s first three goals in a 4-1 win over Russia.
According to Infostrada Sports, Villa’s hat-trick is only the eighth in the history of the European Championship and the first one since Euro 2000. No one scored more than three goals.
Three goals in an European Championship match
Dieter Müller 17 Jun 1976 West Germany - Yugoslavia 4-2
Klaus Allofs 14 Jun 1980 West Germany - Netherlands 3-2
Michel Platini 16 Jun 1984 France - Belgium 5-0
Michel Platini 19 Jun 1984 France - Yugoslavia 3-2
Marco van Basten 15 Jun 1988 Netherlands - England 3-1
Sérgio Conceição 20 Jun 2000 Portugal - Germany 3-0
Patrick Kluivert 25 Jun 2000 Netherlands - Yugoslavia 6-1
David Villa 10 Jun 2008 Spain – Russia 4-1
6.14.2008
6.13.2008
France vs. Netherlands... What happen if?
After Italy - Romania draw:
* If Netherlands defeat France, The Oranje clinch the group C at EURO 2008 and could play against Romania without the main players. That situation would beneficiate the next opponent, Romania (who have won two points and would be in the second position).
* Italy prefer a French win. Then, if they defeated France in the last match, they reach four points. The same as France.
* A draw would beneficiate Italy too. Why? Because if they beat France and Romania didn´t beat Netherlands they will qualify.
We had said that they could reach quarterfinals with only five points. Maybe the teams only need four points to be part of the best eight European teams. They have some chances...
* If Netherlands defeat France, The Oranje clinch the group C at EURO 2008 and could play against Romania without the main players. That situation would beneficiate the next opponent, Romania (who have won two points and would be in the second position).
* Italy prefer a French win. Then, if they defeated France in the last match, they reach four points. The same as France.
* A draw would beneficiate Italy too. Why? Because if they beat France and Romania didn´t beat Netherlands they will qualify.
We had said that they could reach quarterfinals with only five points. Maybe the teams only need four points to be part of the best eight European teams. They have some chances...
Austria’s Ivica Vastic logged in European Championship record books
During the match played by Austria and Poland, Austria’s Ivica Vastic became the oldest goalscorer in the history of the European Championship when he converted from the spot in injury time. According to Infostrada Sports, at 38 years and 257 days, he is more than four years older than the previous record holder Nené (POR).
Austria and Poland tied 1-1 and next monday they must win to reach the quarterfinals.
Oldest goalscorers - European Championship history
Age (y-d)
38 years, 257 days Ivica Vastic (Austria) 12 Jun 2008 Austria - Poland 1-1
34-213 Nené (Portugal) 20 Jun 1984 Portugal - Romania 1-0
34-205 Laurent Blanc (France) 11 Jun 2000 France - Denmark 3-0
34-92 Ladislav Pavlovic (Czechoslovakia) 9 Jul 1960 France - Czechoslovakia 0-2
33-268 Ally McCoist (Scotland) 18 Jun 1996 Scotland - Switzerland 1-0
Austria and Poland tied 1-1 and next monday they must win to reach the quarterfinals.
Oldest goalscorers - European Championship history
Age (y-d)
38 years, 257 days Ivica Vastic (Austria) 12 Jun 2008 Austria - Poland 1-1
34-213 Nené (Portugal) 20 Jun 1984 Portugal - Romania 1-0
34-205 Laurent Blanc (France) 11 Jun 2000 France - Denmark 3-0
34-92 Ladislav Pavlovic (Czechoslovakia) 9 Jul 1960 France - Czechoslovakia 0-2
33-268 Ally McCoist (Scotland) 18 Jun 1996 Scotland - Switzerland 1-0
Croatia 2 - Germany 1: "Catastrophic"
Croatians surpassed Germany 2-1 but they were able to score more goals.
When Germany needs Ballack, he wasn’t part of the game. The German impotence generated the first excluded at EURO 2008: Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Bild describes the situation as "catastrophic".
Good news for Germany? Podolski scored again an reach David Villa as EURO 2008 top scorer.
Lineups:
When Germany needs Ballack, he wasn’t part of the game. The German impotence generated the first excluded at EURO 2008: Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Bild describes the situation as "catastrophic".
Good news for Germany? Podolski scored again an reach David Villa as EURO 2008 top scorer.
Lineups:
Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa, Danijel Pranjic, Josip Simunic, Robert Kovac, Vedran Corluka, Niko Kovac, Darijo Srna (Jerko Leko, 80), Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Niko Kranjcar (Dario Knezevic, 85), Ivica Olic (Mladen Petric, 72).
Germany: Jens Lehmann; Philipp Lahm, Christoph Metzelder, Per Mertesacker, Marcell Jansen (David Odonkor, 45), Clemens Fritz (Kevin Kuranyi, 82), Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez (Bastian Schweinsteiger, 65), Miroslav Klose.
Goals: 24 min. Darijo Srna 24; 62 min. Ivica Olic (CRO). 79 min. Lukas Podolski (GER)
Yellow Cards: Darijo Srna, Josip Simunic, Jerko Leko, Luka Modric (CRO); Michael Ballack, Jens Lehmann (GER).
Red Card: 92 min. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER).
Germany: Jens Lehmann; Philipp Lahm, Christoph Metzelder, Per Mertesacker, Marcell Jansen (David Odonkor, 45), Clemens Fritz (Kevin Kuranyi, 82), Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez (Bastian Schweinsteiger, 65), Miroslav Klose.
Goals: 24 min. Darijo Srna 24; 62 min. Ivica Olic (CRO). 79 min. Lukas Podolski (GER)
Yellow Cards: Darijo Srna, Josip Simunic, Jerko Leko, Luka Modric (CRO); Michael Ballack, Jens Lehmann (GER).
Red Card: 92 min. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER).
6.12.2008
Semih Senturk and Arda Turan revive Turkey; Switzerland is out
At St Jacob Park Stadium, Basel, Turkey defeated Switzerland 2-1 in the fourth match of the Group A at EURO 2008. An intense rain was protagonist.
After this result, Switzerland is eliminated without points. Due to Turkish victory Portugal is the first qualifying team at quarterfinals. Turkey and Czech Republic will decide which team will be at quarterfinals. If they draw they will kick penalties.
Lineups:
Switzerland: Benaglio, Senderos, Muller, Magnin, Lichtsteiner, Yakin (Gygax 85), Inler, Fernandes (Cabanas 76), Behrami, Barnetta (Vonlanthen 66), Derdiyok.
Turkey: Demirel, Emre Asik, Cetin, Hakan Balta, Metin (Topal 46), Karadeniz (Senturk 46), Aurelio, Arda, Altintop, Tuncay Sanli, Nihat (Kazim 85).
The Goals: 32 min. Yakin (SUI). 57 min. Senturk, 90 min. Turan (TUR).
Yellow Cards: Tuncay Sanli, Aurelio, Hakan Balta (TUR); Derdiyok (SUI).
Here we have Turkish repercussions.
After this result, Switzerland is eliminated without points. Due to Turkish victory Portugal is the first qualifying team at quarterfinals. Turkey and Czech Republic will decide which team will be at quarterfinals. If they draw they will kick penalties.
Lineups:
Switzerland: Benaglio, Senderos, Muller, Magnin, Lichtsteiner, Yakin (Gygax 85), Inler, Fernandes (Cabanas 76), Behrami, Barnetta (Vonlanthen 66), Derdiyok.
Turkey: Demirel, Emre Asik, Cetin, Hakan Balta, Metin (Topal 46), Karadeniz (Senturk 46), Aurelio, Arda, Altintop, Tuncay Sanli, Nihat (Kazim 85).
The Goals: 32 min. Yakin (SUI). 57 min. Senturk, 90 min. Turan (TUR).
Yellow Cards: Tuncay Sanli, Aurelio, Hakan Balta (TUR); Derdiyok (SUI).
Here we have Turkish repercussions.
6.11.2008
Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma constructed Portugal victory
At Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Portugal beat Czech Republic 3-1 in a great duel: Petr Cech vs. Cristiano Ronaldo.Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro scored his third goal at European Championships.
Lineups:
Czech Republic: Petr Cech, Zdenek Grygera, Tomas Ujfalusi, David Rozehnal, Marek Jankulovski, Libor Sionko, Jan Polak, Tomas Galasek (Jan Koller, 73), Marek Matejovsky (Stanislav Vlcek, 68), Jaroslav Plasil (David Jarolim, 85), Milan Baros.
Portugal: Ricardo, Paulo Ferreira, Jose Bosingwa, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Armando Petit, Joao Moutinho (Fernando Meira, 75), Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes (Hugo Almeida, 79), Simao Sabrosa (Ricardo Quaresma, 80).
Goals: 8 min. Deco, 63 min. Cristiano Ronaldo, 90 min. Ricardo Quaresma.
Yellow Cards: Jan Polak (CZE) and Bosingwa (POR).
David Villa Day
Marca newspaper: Wonderful Villa"
As Newspaper: "We can, we want and we know"
Mundo Deportivo Newspaper: "Viva Villa!"
6.10.2008
Cristiano Ronaldo magic skills, waiting Portugal vs Czech Republic
All 42 Goals of the hottest player at European football championship 2008 during Season 2007 - 2008.
You Tube video
You Tube video
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on fire; Petter Hansson enjoys him... Greece not.
After a poor first half, Sweden beat Greece 2-0 at Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim Stadion, Salzburg, in the second match of the 4th matchday of the EURO 2008.
While Greece never tried to play good football, Sweden wanted a little more during the game. Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the match score in the 22nd minute of the second half. Zlatan is in a great moment after the championship won with Inter in Serie A and his technique was enough against Greece that always thinks about defending.
The second goal was made by Petter Hansson in a singular occasion.
Lineups:
Greece: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Dellas (Amanatidis, 70), Kyrgiakos, Katsouranis, Torosidis, Basinas, Karagounis, Charisteas, Antzas, Gekas (Samaras, 46).
Sweden: Isaksson, Nilsson, Mellberg, Hansson, Alexandersson (Stoor, 74), Svensson, Ljungberg, Ibrahimovic (Elmander, 71), H. Larsson, Andersson, Wilhelmsson (Rosenburg, 78).
Goals: 67 min. Zlatan Ibrahimovic; 73 min. Hansson (SWE).
Yellow Cards: Charisteas, Seitaridis, Torosidis (GRE).
While Greece never tried to play good football, Sweden wanted a little more during the game. Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the match score in the 22nd minute of the second half. Zlatan is in a great moment after the championship won with Inter in Serie A and his technique was enough against Greece that always thinks about defending.
The second goal was made by Petter Hansson in a singular occasion.
Lineups:
Greece: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Dellas (Amanatidis, 70), Kyrgiakos, Katsouranis, Torosidis, Basinas, Karagounis, Charisteas, Antzas, Gekas (Samaras, 46).
Sweden: Isaksson, Nilsson, Mellberg, Hansson, Alexandersson (Stoor, 74), Svensson, Ljungberg, Ibrahimovic (Elmander, 71), H. Larsson, Andersson, Wilhelmsson (Rosenburg, 78).
Goals: 67 min. Zlatan Ibrahimovic; 73 min. Hansson (SWE).
Yellow Cards: Charisteas, Seitaridis, Torosidis (GRE).
David Villa, the hat-trick man
At Innsbruck, Spain beat Russia 4-1. Three Spanish goals were made by David Villa Sanchez while Cesc Fabregas scored the fourth one. Roman Pavluchenko scored Russian goal.
The Valencia player amazed in the first half and was part of the best attacking duo in the EURO 2008 with Fernando Torres.
Without Torres (who was replaced by Cesc Fabregas), in the second half Villa and Cesc took advantage of the counterattacks and scored twice again.
Russians were not the same as they were in previous matches and they missed Pavel Pogrebnyak (injured) and Andrei Arshavin (suspended, will return against Greece).
David Villa has scored 17 goals with the Spanish National Team t-shirt and had scored 18 goals in the Spanish League 2007-2008.
Well football is coming in the EURO and also, we are able to enjoy fair play: no yellow cards in this match! This success allowed Spanish fans to dream with better performances next weeks.
The Lineups:
Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Silva, Senna, Xavi, Iniesta (Cazorla 63), Villa, Torres (Fabregas 54).
Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Shirokov, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Sychev (Bystrov 46) (Adamov 70), Zyryanov, Semak, Semshov (Torbinsky 57), Bilyaletdinov, Pavluchenko.
Goals: 20, 45 and 75 min David Villa; 91 min, Cesc Fabregas (ESP). 86 min; Roman Pavluchenko (RUS).
Yellow Cards: none.
The Valencia player amazed in the first half and was part of the best attacking duo in the EURO 2008 with Fernando Torres.
Without Torres (who was replaced by Cesc Fabregas), in the second half Villa and Cesc took advantage of the counterattacks and scored twice again.
Russians were not the same as they were in previous matches and they missed Pavel Pogrebnyak (injured) and Andrei Arshavin (suspended, will return against Greece).
David Villa has scored 17 goals with the Spanish National Team t-shirt and had scored 18 goals in the Spanish League 2007-2008.
Well football is coming in the EURO and also, we are able to enjoy fair play: no yellow cards in this match! This success allowed Spanish fans to dream with better performances next weeks.
The Lineups:
Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Silva, Senna, Xavi, Iniesta (Cazorla 63), Villa, Torres (Fabregas 54).
Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Shirokov, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Sychev (Bystrov 46) (Adamov 70), Zyryanov, Semak, Semshov (Torbinsky 57), Bilyaletdinov, Pavluchenko.
Goals: 20, 45 and 75 min David Villa; 91 min, Cesc Fabregas (ESP). 86 min; Roman Pavluchenko (RUS).
Yellow Cards: none.
6.09.2008
Thank you Netherlands, The Tournament has started: Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and van Bronckhorst scored
In the best match of this EURO 2008, Holland beat Italy 3-0 at Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne.
Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and van Bronckhorst scored and gave this victory to the Netherlands. During the second half Italy had many opportunities with Pirlo, del Piero and Grosso attacking; but an amazing counterattack signed the Orange victory 3-0.
Both teams have played very well; but the Holland accuracy, and Totti and Cannavaro absences seem to be keys of the match.
The lineups:
Netherlands: Van der Sar, Ooijer, Boulahrouz (Heitinga 77), Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Kuyt (Afellay 81), De Jong, Van der Vaart, Engelaar, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy (Van Persie 70).
Italy: Buffon, Panucci, Barzagli, Materazzi (Grosso 55), Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi (Cassano 75), Toni, Di Natale (Del Piero 64).
Goals: 26 min; Ruud Van Nistelrooy. 31 min; Wesley Sneijder. 79 min; Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Yellow Cards: Toni, Zambrotta, Gattuso (ITA); De Jong (NED).
Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and van Bronckhorst scored and gave this victory to the Netherlands. During the second half Italy had many opportunities with Pirlo, del Piero and Grosso attacking; but an amazing counterattack signed the Orange victory 3-0.
Both teams have played very well; but the Holland accuracy, and Totti and Cannavaro absences seem to be keys of the match.
The lineups:
Netherlands: Van der Sar, Ooijer, Boulahrouz (Heitinga 77), Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Kuyt (Afellay 81), De Jong, Van der Vaart, Engelaar, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy (Van Persie 70).
Italy: Buffon, Panucci, Barzagli, Materazzi (Grosso 55), Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi (Cassano 75), Toni, Di Natale (Del Piero 64).
Goals: 26 min; Ruud Van Nistelrooy. 31 min; Wesley Sneijder. 79 min; Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Yellow Cards: Toni, Zambrotta, Gattuso (ITA); De Jong (NED).
Adrian Mutu, Samir Nasri and Bafetimbi Gomis couldn’t save a poor draw
At Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich; France and Romania only drew without goals.
Romania’s Mutu tried; whereas France had some chances via Benzema and Ribery. Nasri only was in the field 12 minutes so that time was not enough for him.
As it occurred during the weekend, we saw little risk and a poor game. Let us hope that won’t be worse since the eliminatory quarterfinals, when each error is more important.
In this Group C we have the feeling that we could see qualified teams just with five points won and that each tie is important. We could remember the Group F of the WC 1990 when we watched only a victory by England against Egypt in that zone that also composed Holland and Ireland.
The Lineups:
Romania: Lobont, Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat, Cocis (Codrea 63), Radoi (Dica 90), Chivu, Nicolita, Daniel Niculae, Mutu (Marius Niculae 78).
France: Coupet, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Ribery, Toulalan, Makelele, Malouda, Anelka (Gomis 72), Benzema (Nasri 77).
Romania’s Mutu tried; whereas France had some chances via Benzema and Ribery. Nasri only was in the field 12 minutes so that time was not enough for him.
As it occurred during the weekend, we saw little risk and a poor game. Let us hope that won’t be worse since the eliminatory quarterfinals, when each error is more important.
In this Group C we have the feeling that we could see qualified teams just with five points won and that each tie is important. We could remember the Group F of the WC 1990 when we watched only a victory by England against Egypt in that zone that also composed Holland and Ireland.
The Lineups:
Romania: Lobont, Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat, Cocis (Codrea 63), Radoi (Dica 90), Chivu, Nicolita, Daniel Niculae, Mutu (Marius Niculae 78).
France: Coupet, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Ribery, Toulalan, Makelele, Malouda, Anelka (Gomis 72), Benzema (Nasri 77).
Yellow Cards: Niculae, Contra, Goian (ROM); Sagnol (FRA).
Lars Lagerback and Guus Hiddink: The Recordmen
Sweden’s head coach Lars Lagerback will become the first national team coach to lead his team at three European Championships.
If Sweden reaches the quarterfinals, Lagerback equals Berti Vogts’ record for most matches (11) as head coach at the European Championships.
Russia’s head coach Guus Hiddink will become the first coach to lead two different countries at a European Championship.
Most European Championships by coaches
3 Lars Lagerback SWE Sweden (2000, 2004, 2008)
2 Helmut Schon FRG West Germany (1972, 1976)
2 Jupp Derwall FRG West Germany (1980, 1984)
2 Guy Thys BEL Belgium (1980, 1984)
2 Tommy Soderberg SWE Sweden (2000, 2004)
2 Miguel Muñoz ESP Spain (1984, 1988)
2 Sepp Piontek FRG Denmark (1984, 1988)
2 Rinus Michels NED Netherlands (1988, 1992)
2 Berti Vogts GER Germany (1992, 1996)
2 Richard Moller Nielsen DEN Denmark (1992, 1996)
2 Guus Hiddink NED Netherlands (1996), Russia (2008)
2 Fatih Terim TUR Turkey (1996, 2008)
2 Otto Rehhagel GER Greece (2004, 2008)
2 Luiz Felipe Scolari BRA Portugal (2004, 2008)
2 Karel Bruckner CZE Czech Republic (2004, 2008)
Source: Infostrada Sports
If Sweden reaches the quarterfinals, Lagerback equals Berti Vogts’ record for most matches (11) as head coach at the European Championships.
Russia’s head coach Guus Hiddink will become the first coach to lead two different countries at a European Championship.
Most European Championships by coaches
3 Lars Lagerback SWE Sweden (2000, 2004, 2008)
2 Helmut Schon FRG West Germany (1972, 1976)
2 Jupp Derwall FRG West Germany (1980, 1984)
2 Guy Thys BEL Belgium (1980, 1984)
2 Tommy Soderberg SWE Sweden (2000, 2004)
2 Miguel Muñoz ESP Spain (1984, 1988)
2 Sepp Piontek FRG Denmark (1984, 1988)
2 Rinus Michels NED Netherlands (1988, 1992)
2 Berti Vogts GER Germany (1992, 1996)
2 Richard Moller Nielsen DEN Denmark (1992, 1996)
2 Guus Hiddink NED Netherlands (1996), Russia (2008)
2 Fatih Terim TUR Turkey (1996, 2008)
2 Otto Rehhagel GER Greece (2004, 2008)
2 Luiz Felipe Scolari BRA Portugal (2004, 2008)
2 Karel Bruckner CZE Czech Republic (2004, 2008)
Source: Infostrada Sports
Cool video: Portuguese National Anthem in Geneva
I found this video at Geneva in You Tube. It seems that we were there, seeing Portugal - Turkey match, living the EURO 2008...
6.08.2008
Lukas Podolski twice; Germany beats Poland
Due to Lukas Podolski goals; Germany beat Poland 2-0 at the Worthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt.
Polish-born Podolski put Germany 1-0 when he made good use of Miroslav Klose's pass after 20 minutes. 18 minutes before the end of the match and when Poland was trying to draw, Podolski scored again.
23 year-old Podolski has scored 29 goals with the Germany National Team t-shirt. It was the first German victory in the competition since 1996 final.
Polish-born Podolski put Germany 1-0 when he made good use of Miroslav Klose's pass after 20 minutes. 18 minutes before the end of the match and when Poland was trying to draw, Podolski scored again.
23 year-old Podolski has scored 29 goals with the Germany National Team t-shirt. It was the first German victory in the competition since 1996 final.
Yes, good victory... But when Germany was 2-0 we thought that it was Marko Marin time.
The Lineups:
Germany: Lehmann; Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Jansen; Fritz (55. Schweinsteiger), Ballack, Frings, Podolski; Klose (91. Kuranyi), Gomez (75. Hitzlsperger).
The Lineups:
Germany: Lehmann; Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Jansen; Fritz (55. Schweinsteiger), Ballack, Frings, Podolski; Klose (91. Kuranyi), Gomez (75. Hitzlsperger).
Poland: Boruc; Wasilewski, Zewlakow, Bak, Golanski (75. Saganowski); Lobodzinski (65. Piszczek), Lewandowski, Dudka, Krzynowek; Smolarek, Zurawski (46. Guerreiro).
The Goals: 20 and 72 min; Podolski.
Yellow Cards: Smolarek, Lewandowski (POL); Schweinsteiger (GER)
Luka Modric: a penalty kick and a victory
In Vienna, Croatia made debut against the co-host team, Austria with a triumph. At fourth minute Croatia already put in advantage when Luka Modric transformed a penalty kick into a goal.
After this goal, Croatia justified the victory, having the ball and approaching to the Austrian goal. Nevertheless lacking 10 minutes to finish the first half, Croatia left that the ball were managed by the Austrians.
The entire second half was very similar than the end of the first half: Austria generating danger with centers but without generating any trouble to Pletikosa, the Croatian goalkeeper.
With few minutes of good football Croatia obtained three points. It gave the sensation which the Croatians reserved something more, they promise better football caliber during the next presentations.
Lineups:
Austria: Macho, Standfest, Stranzl, Pogatetz, Aufhauser, Linz (Kienast 74), Ivanschitz, Gercaliu (Korkmaz 69), Prodl, Saumel (Vastic 60), Harnik.
Croatia: Pletikosa, Sumunic, Kovac, Corluka, Kovac, Srna, Modric, Olic (Vukojevic 83), Kranjcar (Knezevic 61), Petric (Budan 72), Pranjic.
The Goal: 4 min; Luka Modric.
Yellow Cards: Pogatetz, Saumel, Prodl (AUT), Kovac (CRO)
More Info: El Balón Europeo
After this goal, Croatia justified the victory, having the ball and approaching to the Austrian goal. Nevertheless lacking 10 minutes to finish the first half, Croatia left that the ball were managed by the Austrians.
The entire second half was very similar than the end of the first half: Austria generating danger with centers but without generating any trouble to Pletikosa, the Croatian goalkeeper.
With few minutes of good football Croatia obtained three points. It gave the sensation which the Croatians reserved something more, they promise better football caliber during the next presentations.
Lineups:
Austria: Macho, Standfest, Stranzl, Pogatetz, Aufhauser, Linz (Kienast 74), Ivanschitz, Gercaliu (Korkmaz 69), Prodl, Saumel (Vastic 60), Harnik.
Croatia: Pletikosa, Sumunic, Kovac, Corluka, Kovac, Srna, Modric, Olic (Vukojevic 83), Kranjcar (Knezevic 61), Petric (Budan 72), Pranjic.
The Goal: 4 min; Luka Modric.
Yellow Cards: Pogatetz, Saumel, Prodl (AUT), Kovac (CRO)
More Info: El Balón Europeo
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