[Euro 2008] Austria 0-1 Croatia

Austria went the same way as co-hosts Switzerland, opening their Euro 2008 challenge with a narrow defeat as Luka Modric's early penalty gave Croatia victory in Vienna.

Group B - Matchday 1
AUSTRIA 0-1 CROATIA
Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna
Croatia were forced to hang on against tournament co-hosts Austria to begin their Euro 2008 campaign with a win. They were gifted what proved to be a fourth-minute winner when Luca Modric drilled home a penalty after Rene Aufhauser clumsily felled Ivica Olic. Austria's Joachim Standfest headed their best chance wide as they finished the first half in better form. And after the break Austria's Umit Korkmaz had a stinging shot well saved and Roman Kienast headed narrowly wide. An equaliser would not have flattered a plucky Austria side, but its Croatia who spoiled the party.

The co-hosts play Poland on Thursday, while the Croats meet Germany.

Austria: Macho, Prodl, Stranzl, Pogatetz, Aufhauser, Saumel (Vastic 61), Standfest, Gercaliu (Korkmaz 69), Ivanschitz, Harnik, Linz (Kienast 73).
Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, Robert Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic, Srna, Nico Kovac, Modric, Kranjcar (Knezevic 61), Olic (Vukojevic 82), Petric (Budan 72).

[Euro 2008 Group B]