Croatia 2 - 1 Germany. Euro 2008

Croatia are better than their opening showing (Austria 0 - 1 Croatia) when they beat an Austrian team that looked livelier than their lowly FIFA ranking of 92nd-best team in the world. But the Germans are favourites to win this tournament, and have their usual attributes of fitness, tactics and technique in place.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: CRO 1 - 1 GER

After the first 20 minutes, the Croats have had the best chances, but these are thin.
At last Frings springs from the German midfield to make a diagonal run from right to left.
24' Goal. Croatia 1 - 0 Deutschland. One of the goals of the tournament as the Croats play the ball out from the right-back position and pass their way upfield, including a nice switch of play by Krancjar, leading to Srna sliding in to score. Great goal.
29' Krancjar blasts the ball over the bat as the ball is once more sent in from the Croatian left wing.
39' Metzelder heads just over the Croatian bar from a corner.
Germany are allowing the Croats to turn and this low-pressure defending is not working as the skillful Croatians are outplaying the Germans.
41' Krancjar collects and controls the ball beautifully right in front of the German goal, but his swivel-shot goes straight at German keeper and former Arsenal player Lehmann who makes a meal of saving it by jumping in the air when it would have been easier and less dangerous to catch the ball. Corluka is playing well by getting forward down the right.
43' German forward Gomez has fouled the Croatian keeper Pletikosa, so the ball in the net doesn't count as a goal.
61' Goal. Croatia 2 - 0 Germany. Olic pounces to tap home as Lehmann can only parry the ball onto the post after is is deflected goalbound off the unfortunate Podolski.
Germany seem to have little desire to win this game.
64' Gomez off (at last!), Schweinsteiger on.
69' Schweinsteiger has done more in his first five minutes than the rest of the German team has accomplished in the whole of this match.
72' Pletikosa saves after good work by Schweinsteiger on the left of the German attack.
75' Though Germany have finally woken up, Krancjar is allowed to cut in from the left and shoot right-footed.
78' Goal. Croatia 2 - 1 Germany. Podolski shoots first time with the outside of his left foot to score.
Result: Croatia 2 - 1 Germany.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Darijo Srna.