Modric penalty completes nervous win for Croatia
Sunday, 08 Jun 2008 20:27
Luka Modric's penalty proved the difference between the two teams
Luka Modric earned Croatia a 1-0 victory over joint hosts Austria after calmly converting a 4th minute penalty.
Tottenham's new signing rolled the ball into the back of the net from the spot after Rene Aufhauser brought down Ivica Olic inside the penalty area.
But Croatia failed to extend their early lead and were left hanging on during the closing stages as the home side tried to take an unlikely point in the opening match of Group B.
Croatia started well with Modric at the centre of neat passing moves and he played Olic into the box only for the powerful forward to be clumsily bowled over.
Emanuel Pogatetz was furious with the decision and his protests were waved away by Pieter Vink who booked him for dissent.
Croatia continued to impress and Pogatetz was lucky to stay on the field after being turned by Olic.
The Middlesbrough man tugged at his shirt before grabbing at his face and bringing the Croatian down on the edge of the penalty area but Mr Vink showed no card.
Austria came back into the game before half time and had good chances when headers from Sebastian Prodl and Joachim Standfest failed to hit the target.
But after the break the home side played above their confident opponents and controlled the game.
The introduction of 38-year-old Ivica Vastic ensured the home side kept hold of the ball but they failed to create a clear cut opening and were reduced to sending balls into the box.
As the game wore on, Croatia become increasingly nervous in defence and a smart save from Stipe Pletikosa was needed to deny Umit Korkmaz right foot shot.
But they held on to record a vital opening day victory thanks to Modric's calm penalty.
Richard Aylen