Although the result went the way of the form-book, Croatia would not have expected to work as hard as they did.

The co-hosts gave a credible account of themselves and proved they are no national disgrace. Josef Hickersberger has instilled a resiliency and steel into this previously toothless side.


The spine of the team, from Sebastian Proedl through Rene Aufhauser and Andreas Ivanschitz, worked well at limiting the duration of Croatian possession.

Luka Modric, a pain for opposition when he is in possession, was limited to mere touches, and was unable to mould the game to his will. Croatia's most effective attacking performer was Hamburg's Ivica Olic who ran himself ragged as his side worked hard for their win.

Austria:

Jurgen Macho: 6 - His first task was to fetch the ball from the net and he subsequently dealt admirably with the Croatian threat.

Emanuel Pogatetz: 5.5 - Has a rash streak that was close to being detrimental this evening. Lucky not to be sent off but his tenacity and commitment cannot be doubted.

Sebastian Proedl: 6.5 An assured performance from the Sturm Graz centre back. Rarely made it easy for the Croatians to play around him and was a threat from set-pieces-

Martin Stranzl: 6.5 - Lent a physicality to the Austrian rear-guard and made it uncomfortable for Petric to gain space.

Rene Aufhauser: 5.5 An uncharacteristic and costly error from Austria‘s most experienced squad member. Recovered well however and managed to have an influence.

Andreas Ivanschitz: 8 - Pulled the strings in the centre of midfield with an array of clever passes and threatening set-pieces.

Jurgen Saeumel: 7 - Worked tremendously well during the first half and ultimately ran out of steam. A good enforcer in midfield.

Ronald Gercaliu: 6 - Had limited opportunities to deliver crosses. An average performance, but did keep tabs on Corluka.

Joachim Standfest: 6.5 - Was efficient in his wing-back position, both attacked and defended with vitality and steel. Missed Austria’s best chance.

Martin Harnik: 7 - Showed glimpses of the technique that makes him a highly rated young forward. The Werder Bremen man made the most of his second half space to cross, shoot and pass capably.

Roland Linz: 6 - Struggled for space and ball-time during the first half alongside Harnik. Whereas his strike partner found space as the game progressed, Linz remained somewhat peripheral.

Substitutes

Umit Korkmaz: 7 - Used his pace and power well to trouble Corluka in the latter stages. Made a significant impact.

Ivica Vastic: 7 - The veteran used his experience to conjure space for his colleagues. Unlucky with his only chance, a header.

Ronald Kienast: 7 - Had Austria’s last opportunity and showed flickers of effectiveness. If he had started, he may have found his range.

Croatia:

Stipe Pletikosa: 7 - Had a lot to deal with as the game went on and looked steady. Got lucky on two occasions when the ball escaped his grasp. Nonetheless, a clean sheet.

Verdan Corluka: 7 - Was more comfortable going forward than back and was troubled by Korkmaz in the latter stages. A consistent performance, he did not put a foot wrong.

Daniel Pranjic: 6.5 - The Heerenveen man is filling a problem position for Slaven Bilic’s side and was exposed on occasion by Harnik and Standfest.

Robert Kovac 7.5: An uncompromising display from the Dortmund centre back. Organises the line well.

Josip Simunic 7: Not his first choice position for Croatia, Simunic covered capably for the ring-rusty Dario Simic. His imposing frame meant that little escaped the Dortmund man in the air.

Niko Kovac - 5.5: An efficient user of the ball, his game is more suited to prolonged Croatian possession. Was made occasionally anonymous and struggled against imposing opposition.

Luka Modric - 6: Used the ball well when he had it. He struggled to find possession as the Austrians rampaged forward and showed a tendency to go missing.

Darijo Srna - 6.5: A threat due to his abilitiy at dead balls. Imbued his side with penetrative and forceful running.

Niko Kranjcar - 5.5: Suffered more than most on his team without the ball at his feet. Was practically anonymous aside from intermittent one-touch passes.

Ivica Olic - 8.5: Drew three bookings and earned a penalty due to his persistent and determined nature. A valuable asset to Bilic’s plans. Unlucky not to score.

Mladen Petric - 7: Gave sporadic examples of why he is so highly rated. Pressed his opponents high up the pitch but was a little naïve with his only meaningful chance.

Substitutes

Dario Knezevic - 6: Slotted in midfield to attempt prevent Austrian raids. Almost conceded a penalty with slipshod control.

Orgjen Vukojevic - n/a: Replaced Olic but did not have the opportunity to make an impression.

Igor Budan - 6: The Parma man may have more of a significant impact as the tournament progresses. He was forced to feed off scraps after his introduction.


Original analysist from goal.com