Euro 2008 - 11

We got the tournament's first dismissal in this game with Schweinsteiger being sent off for violent conduct as Germany played Croatia.

He was challenged close to the corner flag in his own half and reacted badly by pushing the opponent to the ground in front of the Assistant referee. It was a rash action and in context it was warranted. Other than that I've nothing much to day about the game. Germany didn't play as well as they did against Poland and the scoreline of Croatia 2-1 Germany didn't reflect the true balance of play.

So having forecast the demise of the co-hosts Austria somewhat prematurely (they can avoid elimination even if are defeated tonight by Poland) there is still the possibility that a victory over their neighbours Germany in the final group game, could allow them to progress to the Quarter Final stage. It requires a complex sequence of results perfectly illustrated by the fact that Poland's defeat tonight will see them eliminated.