Croatia down Germany to top Group B
Croatia upset
three-time winners Germany 2-1 in a Group B match in Klagenfurt Thursday to
move into a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
Germany had Bastian Schweinsteiger sent off in stoppage time to complete
a miserable evening for Joachim Loew's highly-fancied side.
Darijo Srna got on the end of a cross from Danijel Pranjic to score from close
range in the 24th minute to give Croatia a deserved lead.
They went further ahead when Ivica Olic mopped up from close range in the 62nd
after a cross by Ivan Rakitic was deflected onto the near post by Lukas
Podoslki.
Podolski blasted a left-foot shot into the net in the 79th minute for his third
goal of the tournament, but Croatia held onto their lead.
Substitute Schweinsteiger was sent off in stoppage time for a shove on Jerko
Leko.
Croatia, who defeated Austria 1-0 on Sunday, now have six
points, with Germany on three, and will advance from the group if Austria beat
Poland in a later game in Vienna, or the match ends in a draw, dpa reported.
