Croatia created the first biggest upset of Euro 2008 defeating title contender Germany 2-1 in a Group B match today. With this victory, Croatia secured a quarter final place, leaving Germany’s fate in an uncertainty. Germans now require a victory against co-hosts Austria in the last group match. A draw could also give them a place in the last eight, but then they would need the result of the other match go their way. Austria vs Poland match ended in a 1-1 draw tonight, thus keeping both the sides in the running for a quarter final place.
Darijo Srna opened scoring for Croatia in the 24th minute of the match. After receiving Danijel Pranjic cross, Darijo Srna executed the ball well for the first goal of the Croats. In the first half, both Germany and Croatia created some other goal scoring chances, but the score remained 1-0 at the half time. Then in the second half, Germany could not make a solid start what could have been needed for them to come back in the match. Rather, they conceded another goal thanks to Rakitic in the 62nd minute. With 11 minutes off the match, Podolski scored for Germany reviving their hope to avoid defeat in the match, but nothing happened as Croatia kept the score line 2-1 to clinch their second victory over Germany since their 3-0 triumph 10 years back. At the closing minutes of the match, Germany’s Schweinsteiger was sent off after he pushed Jerko Leko of Croatia.
Well, still Germany has the chance to make it to the next round if they a win over Austria. Though it would not be that easy for Germany as Austria will have home advantage in the match, Germany has no other option available other than defeating Austria or at least making a draw with Austria. Now, let us see if Germany can survive in the competition and get into the quarter final of the tournament.
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