Croatia beat Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria 1-0 in opening Group B match . Luka Modric scores fourth-minute penalty after striker Ivica Olic is fouled . The result means the Croats will play their first game against a European team since they were knocked out of last year's World Cup by eventual champions Spain on penalties following extra time. `` This was the worst possible start you can have in an opening match of a major tournament , '' he said . Croatia next play Germany on Thursday , while Austria take on Poland .
Croatia beat Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria 1-0 in opening Group B match . Luka Modric scores fourth-minute penalty after striker Ivica Olic is fouled . The result means the Croats will play their first game against a European team since they were knocked out of last year's World Cup by eventual champions Spain on penalties following extra time. Croatia next play Germany on Thursday , while Austria take on Poland .