Croatia Cruise Into Gear

Croatia took the lead in Vienna on their first real attack.... a low cross from Prso, on the left, to Ivan Klasnic who turned and fired Croatia in front; with only 11 minutes gone.

Austria 0 - Croatia 1

Drama as Austria equalise direct from a corner.

The ball is sent in high from the right corner flag by the Austrian captain, Andreas Ivanschitz.

Pletikosa jumps high and catches the ball ....but lands behind his line.

Austria 1 - Croatia 1

Klasnic Solo

Second goal for the Werder Bremen striker.....

Ivan Klasnic beats three players on the edge of the area, with some dazzling trickery, and cooly rounds the sprawling Austrian goalkeeper.

Austria 1 - Croatia 2

[Half Time]

Second Half

Klasnic has done his work for the day and doesn't start the second half. In his place comes number 18, Ivica Olic. The Croatian goalkeeper, totally at fault with the Austraian goal, is also substituted; Joseph Didulica taking his place.

A Stroll in the Park

Marko Babic makes it 3-1 and the Croatian fans light the flares.

A drive from outside the area gets a deflection and beats the diving Helge Payer, who just helps it into the net, with his hand at full stretch.

Austria 1 - Croatia 3

That's Why Austria Are Not At The World Cup

Bosco Balaban curls a free kick over the Austrian wall to make it 4-1 to Croatia, in the 69th minute.

A Different Class

I know this is only a friendly and Croatia are going to the World Cup and Austria are not..... but the class difference is substantial, as Croatia come close to making it five.

Austria 1 - Croatia 4

Final Score

Starting Teams

Austria:
1 Helge Payer; 5 Andreas Ibertsberger, 4 Paul Scharner, 6 Rene Aufhauser, 10 Andreas Ivanschitz, 7 Christoph Leitgeb, 11 Stefan Lexa, 8 Thomas Prager, 2 Joachim Standfest, 3 Martin Stranzl, 9 Marc Janko.

Croatia:
1 Stipe Pletikosa; 4 Robert Kovac, 7 Dario Simic, 13 Stjepan Tomas, 5 Igor Tudor, 8 Marko Babic, 10 Nico Kovac, 19 Niko Kranjcar, 2 Darijo Srna, 17 Ivan Klasnic, 9 Dado Prso.