Austria – Croatia (Group B)
08.06.2008 18:00 – Stadion: Ernst-Happel-Stadion (Wien)
On Sunday Austria plays versus Croatia in Vienna. The second Host Austria, coached by Josef Hickersberger, is the clearest outsider in this tournament and they can’t lose at all, because everyone expects a defeat. Croatia won the last friendly game between both teams two years ago 4-1 (Vienna 2006). In the last friendly games this year (vs. Germany 0-3, vs. Netherlands 3-4, vs. Nigeria 1-1 and vs. Malta 5-1) Austria could draw hope for the Euro 2008. Croatia, which has the possibility to win the EURO according to the Coach Slaven Bilic, is still searching for the great form since the historic victory in England (3-2). The last friendly games Croatia was unimpressive (vs. Scotland 1:1, vs. Netherlands 0:3, vs. Macedonia 1:0 and in Hungary they played 1:1.
At least Coach Bilic has his starting eleven in his mind, while Coach Hickersberger still doesn’t know who will be the first goalkeeper in the Austrian team.
Possible Linups:
Austria:
Macho (Manninger) - Prödl, Stranzl, Pogatetz - Leitgeb, Aufhauser, J. Säumel - Harnik, C. Fuchs - Ivanschitz - Linz
Croatia:
Pletikosa - Corluka, R. Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic - N. Kovac - Srna, Modric, Kranjcar - Olic, Petric
Analysis:
Austria is outsider, but with the euphoria of the home team this game could be exciting if Austria can make the first goal. I expect a lot of goals, because Austria defence was unconvincingly and in every friendly game they made at minimum one big mistake.
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals – WillHill Odds 2.1 + 25 GBP free bet
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