Source: Xinhua
06-13-2008 09:42
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsKLAGENFURT, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Croatia snubbed Eruo 2008 favorites Germany 2-1 at a Group B clash here on Thursday, becoming the first to elevate into the top eight within the group.
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| Croatia's Vedran Corluka (R) vies with Michael Ballack (R2) of Germany during the Euro 2008 Group B football match on June 12, 2008 at Woerthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria. Croatia won 2-1.(Xinhua/Yuan Man) |
Croatian midfielder Darijo Srna and striker Ivica Olic scored during the first and second half respectively while Germany's Lukas Podolski saved Germany's face by shooting one goal during the second half.
In a sold-out Woerthersee Stadium of Klagenfurt, Germany coach Joachim Loew sent the same starting lineup as they did four days ago against Poland, with Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez as strikers and Lukas Podolski, hero of Germany's last match, as the left winger.
As both teams have won their opening games, Germany and Croatia were battling for an early elevation from Group B, and the fight was fierce from the very beginning and both sides created many chances.
However, it is Croatia who turned the chances into reality as midfielder Darijo Srna, who repeatedly penetrated Germany's defense line, made a abrupt shot and scored in the 23rd minute after he got a long pass from left side.
Croatians got another precious chance to widen the gap with Germany in the 42nd minute as Kranjcar made a powerful shot in a close distance to Lehmann, who made a superb save by denying the shot.
Germany, widely regarded as favorites to Euro 2008 title, also created many scoring chances during the first half.
