Verdict: A bit of a surprise, going by the opening day performances from these two sides. Croatia, turgid and slow-witted against Austria, came out of the blocks sprinting and their high pace game caught the Germans off guard. No doubt the second goal was half-fluke, half-copyrighted Jens Lehmann howler (I think he also got his trademark yellow card too), but the Croats deserved their result and Slaven Bilic showed he has the tactical nous to go with his motivational skills and his acumen on the guitar.
Entertainment value: Another great game, helped by the fact that Germany had to chase it.
Heroes: Another incredible shift from Ivica Olic for Croatia, while Ivan Rakitic justified his inclusion with a great performance from midfield. Darijo Srna, scorer of the first goal, was probably pick of the bunch.
Villains: Marcell Jansen was hooked at half-time, having been run utterly ragged, culminating in an impersonation of a statue at the first goal. And yet again, Michael Ballack was overwhelmingly, erm, underwhelmingly.
The job ahead: Croatia through, then, but they still don't quite look convincing enough to win the tournament. Not yet, anyway. Germany, however, just need a point off Austria to go through in second, with a potentially mouthwatering tie with Portugal awaiting.
L.
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