( dpa ) - The Croatian and Austrian heads of government stressed existing good relations but the issue that really mattered was the Euro 2008 football match between the two countries later on Sunday.
However, neither Austrian chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer nor Croatian prime minister Ivo Sander wanted to offend his counterpart as both remained diplomatic about the outcome.
"It would be best if both Croatia and Austria could go on to the quarter-finals", said Sander.
Gusenbauer acknowledged the Croatia team's strength, but hoped that Austria would benefit from playing on home turf.
"I am not a prophet but I hope for a good, exciting and fair match," said Gusenbauer.
Both leaders were due to attend the game along with the Austrian and Croatian presidents, Heinz Fischer and Stjepan Mesic, respectively, who had also scheduled meetings on Sunday.