match 1:
Klagenfurt - Wörthersee - Austria
CROATIA 2 - 1 GERMANY
Croatia
Srna 24
Olic 62
Germany
Podolski 79
Entertainment value: 3 / 5
match 2:
Ernst Happel - Vienna - Austria
AUSTRIA 1 - 1 POLAND
Austria
vastic 90+3 pen
Poland
Guerreiro 30
EV: 3.5 / 5
Croatia booked their spot in the final after a 2-1 win over an uncharacteristically lacklustre Germany as the other result in the other game went their way. Both probably respected each other a little too much and the opening minutes were tight and cagey. The goals that came were not masterclass and the chances that came were far and few in between. At the end Croatia were understandably jubilated after securing this famous victory. Germany seemed to be off-form from the word 'go' despite winning well previously. In this game though their defending were at times shambolic and they simply could not loosen the shackles set by the Croatians who made it a policy to have at least one man in each German's face at almost every turn. Frustrations got the better of the Germans when a red card was produced at the end. Croatia can look forward to their last game relaxed and easy against Poland but Germany must win their last match against Austria to ensure qualification and they must win emphatically to bring the morale back up else they may just face the gun from then onwards.
In the other game Poland won after Austria did all they could but score, well almost. The final result was a 1-1 draw. when the Austrian goal came with the last kick of the game from the penalty spot. The opening half belonged to Austria and Poland were fortunate that Austria spurned their chances. Poland were also thankful to gk Boruc who kept them in the game with some fine goalkeeping. As Poland gradually got into the game, each team started creating chances and the final result could have gone either way really. Austria finally found redress when they scored from the penalty spot through Ivica Vastic at the last minute, in the process making him the oldest scorer in European championships history. Poland will now have to face Croatia knowing nothing but victory might be enough. Austria is also still in with a shout but they have to beat Germany to have any chance of qualifying.
Klagenfurt - Wörthersee - Austria
CROATIA 2 - 1 GERMANY
Croatia
Srna 24
Olic 62
Germany
Podolski 79
Entertainment value: 3 / 5
match 2:
Ernst Happel - Vienna - Austria
AUSTRIA 1 - 1 POLAND
Austria
vastic 90+3 pen
Poland
Guerreiro 30
EV: 3.5 / 5
Croatia booked their spot in the final after a 2-1 win over an uncharacteristically lacklustre Germany as the other result in the other game went their way. Both probably respected each other a little too much and the opening minutes were tight and cagey. The goals that came were not masterclass and the chances that came were far and few in between. At the end Croatia were understandably jubilated after securing this famous victory. Germany seemed to be off-form from the word 'go' despite winning well previously. In this game though their defending were at times shambolic and they simply could not loosen the shackles set by the Croatians who made it a policy to have at least one man in each German's face at almost every turn. Frustrations got the better of the Germans when a red card was produced at the end. Croatia can look forward to their last game relaxed and easy against Poland but Germany must win their last match against Austria to ensure qualification and they must win emphatically to bring the morale back up else they may just face the gun from then onwards.
In the other game Poland won after Austria did all they could but score, well almost. The final result was a 1-1 draw. when the Austrian goal came with the last kick of the game from the penalty spot. The opening half belonged to Austria and Poland were fortunate that Austria spurned their chances. Poland were also thankful to gk Boruc who kept them in the game with some fine goalkeeping. As Poland gradually got into the game, each team started creating chances and the final result could have gone either way really. Austria finally found redress when they scored from the penalty spot through Ivica Vastic at the last minute, in the process making him the oldest scorer in European championships history. Poland will now have to face Croatia knowing nothing but victory might be enough. Austria is also still in with a shout but they have to beat Germany to have any chance of qualifying.
akim - the Italian fan