June 9, 2008 (1100 hrs GMT): It was gloom that had spread in Vienna as Austria lost its opening Euro2008 match 0-1 to Croatia. But, Croatia has reasons to celebrate. Without any major victory in the last ten years, Croatia made headlines with just one penalty. The star of the evening was Luka Modric, the Croatian midfielder.
The first Group B game of Euro Cup 2008 began with much excitement as Luka Modric of Croatia scored a goal in just 4 minutes into the game. This is the fastest penalty, in the European Championships, that has ever been turned into a goal. The score Austria 0-1 Croatia threatened Austria, a team desperate to gain a position in this European Championship.
Austrian defender Rene Aufhauser took charge of the ball from Croatia’s Ivica Olic. But, Modric made a quick move and his penalty score brought down the spirit of the Austrian team. Though the Austrians suffered a setback, they fought hard and well to score a goal. Austria had its chance just before half-time. Martin Harnik's cross proved dangerous but Joachim Standfest, coming from the left, put a free-header.
In the second half, Austria tried to score but its efforts did not match up to the skills of Croatian strikers and defenders. Jurgen Saumel and Sebastian Prodl of Austria made attempts to score but goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa put up a strong defence. Croatia gained control. By scoring in fourth minute of the game, Luka Modric had put Croatia in the lead and it remained so till the end of the game. Austria had played with confidence, but it was Croatia that took the title of the winner.
Final Score Austria-Croatia June 8th
Austria 0-1 Croatia
Teams:
Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic, Srna, Kovac, Modric, Kranjcar, Petric, Olic.
Austria: Macho, Standfest, Proedl, Pogatetz, Stranzl, Gercaliu, Ivanschitz, Aufhauser, Saeumel, Harnik, Linz.
