Euro2008 Group B: Croatia Stuns Germany

Croatia claimed an impressive win over pre-tournament favourites Germany to reach the Euro 2008 quarter-finals. Darijo Srna broke the deadlock on 24 minutes when he beat Marcell Jansen to Danijel Pranjic's cross and fired home. Croatia were gifted a second goal on 63 minutes when Ivan Rakitic's cross came off Lukas Podolski and rebounded off the post for Ivica Olic to slot home.

Podolski pulled a goal back with a late drive but Bastian Schweinsteiger's red card ended German hopes in injury time.

It was a famous victory for Croatia, and an echo of their 3-0 success over the same opposition in the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals, but it casts serious doubts over Germany's credentials for the European crown.

Joachim Low's side put in an uncharacteristically fractured performance, creating plenty of chances but letting themselves down with their own poor defending. And, although the Germans - who face co-host Austria in their final group match - will still be fancied to qualify for the quarter-finals, it seems likely they will do so as group runners-up and, if so, they will face Portugal in the last eight. As impressive as Low's men were in despatching Poland in their opening game, it soon became apparent they would not find things as easy against Croatia, who proved they are genuine title contenders.

In a cagey opening, play was largely confined to a crowded and competitive midfield and there was little to choose between either side. But Srna broke the deadlock when Pranjic sent over a superb deep cross and, with Jansen hesitant, the Shakhtar Donetsk winger pounced to prod the ball past Jens Lehmann.

Germany responded well and Jansen almost made immediate amends for his error when he sent over an enticing cross that Mario Gomez headed wastefully over.