Croatia stuns Germany in Euro 2008

Germany's Michael Ballack, right, Croatia's Niko Kovac, second from right, and Croatia's Ivica Olic, left, challenge for the ball during the group B match between Croatia and Germany in Klagenfurt, Austria at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships.

Germany's misery was complete in stoppage time when Schweinsteiger was dismissed for a push on substitute Jerko Leko.

On Thursday Croatia dealt Germany a 2-1 Euro 2008 Group B defeat here on Thursday in one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.

However, Croatian Coach, Slaven Bilic stated, "There is no other way to beat the Germans than to play well. They're still a great team, though, and still one of the favourites for the title."

Germany plays Austria on 16 June in what turns out to be a crucial game for both football clubs; a rivalry that goes back at least to 1978.

Defending champion Germany was eliminated by Austria 3-2 at the 1978 World Cup in Cordoba, Argentina, in a match in which Austria had nothing to gain and Germany everything to lose. It remains one of the most famous Austrian sports victories over its bigger neighbor and it came after 47 years of trying.

Germany needs at least a draw against co-host Austria on Monday in Vienna.

16/06/2008

v

Austria

20:45

Group B	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Croatia	2	2	0	0	3	1	6
Germany	2	1	0	1	3	2	3
Austria	2	0	1	1	1	2	1
Poland	2	0	1	1	1	3	1

I will continue to root for Germany (at the slight chance of upsetting Christina's Austrian kinfolk).