Croatia beats Austria in World Cup warmup
(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-24 08:42
VIENNA, Austria - Croatia began its World Cup warmup campaign by defeating
Austria 4-1 Tuesday night behind a pair of first-half goals by Ivan Klasnic.
Klasnic gave Croatia the lead in the 11th minute following an exchange with
Dado Prso, but Andreas Ivanschitz tied the score in the 14th on a corner kick
that goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa grabbed behind the line.
Klasnic put the visitors ahead for good in the 35th minute on a solo effort
after beating three defenders, Marko Babic made it 3-1 in the 54th and Bosko
Balaban scored on a 25-yard free kick in the 69th.
Croatia meets Iran on Sunday, Poland on June 3 and Spain on June 7. It plays
its World Cup opener on June 13 against defending champion Brazil, then faces
Japan and Australia.
Austria, which failed to qualify, is rebuilding for the 2008 European
Championship. It is co-host of that tournament with Switzerland.
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