Klagenfurt, June 12- In an exciting encounter against Germany, Croatia won 2-1 to move towards Euro 2008 quarter finals. The Croatian heroes were Darijo Srna and Ivica Olic while, it was Lukas Podolski who gave Germany its only goal. Both the teams had won in their first Euro Cup 2008 matches, Croatia 1-0 against Austria and Germany 2-0 against Poland.
The Croatia-Germany match June 12 opened with a tensed start as both teams avoided taking risks for the first 20 minutes. Moreover, Croatia as well as Germany had their defenses firm and ready. It was in the 24th minute when the deadlock was broken. Croatia went ahead as Danijel Pranjic made an impressive cross passing over the ball to Srna who struck hard giving German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann no chance to save it.
Germany responded to Croatia's opening score as Mario Gomez headed the ball to the post. But his efforts yielded no positive result. As half time approached, Germany captain Michael Ballack came into the limelight with a forceful free kick. But, that too could not equalize the score. Croatia could have doubled its score in the first half but, Kranjcar wasted their chance as he shot the ball towards Lehmann.
Though in the beginning of the second half Germany had more ball possession, the team failed to find scoring opportunities. Their attacks were saved by a firm defense put up by Croatia. The second goal of this Group B match came from Croatia. Rakitic made a cross towards the net but, it got deflected towards the Lehmann after having struck Lukas Podolski. The ball hit the goal post and rebounded back to Olic. It was easy for him to send it straight into the net.
Germany fought hard and managed to score during the last 12 minutes of the game. It was Lukas Podolski who saved the game for Germany. A forceful kick from Podolski sent the ball flying into the net. But Germany could not double its efforts and were left dejected especially when Schweinsteiger got a red card for shoving a player of the Croatian team.
Croatia, now, is at the top of Group B and, by outplaying Germany in Klagenfurt, the team has secured its position in the tournament quarter finals. Germany needs to win the match against Austria on Monday, June 16 to continue in the Euro Cup 2008 tournament.
Final Score Croatia-Germany Match June 12
Croatia 2-1 Germany
Goals
3
Red Card
Schweinsteiger- 1
Teams
Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic, Srna, Modric, Kovac, Rakitic, Kranjcar, Olic
Germany: Lehmann, Lahm, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Jansen, Fritz, Frings, Ballack, Podolski, Gomez, Klose
