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Bilic praises "brilliant" Croatia after Germany win

13/06/2008

Croatia manager Slaven Bilic was delighted with his team's performance after they beat Euro 2008 favourites Germany 2-1.

Bilic's men have one foot in the quarterfinals after goals from Darijo Srna and Ivica Olic gave them the three points which puts them top of Group B.

The Croats are definitely in the next stage after Poland failed to beat co-hosts Austria in the other game in the group played on Thursday.

"I want to congratulate both teams for a great game of football," said Bilic, whose side proved that their victories over England in qualifying were no flukes.

"I think we played some outstanding football and nothing less is required to beat Germany.

"We kept going forward throughout and always looked threatening, while our back four held firm when they put us under pressure."

Germany went into the game as pre-tournament favourites to win Euro 2008.

But they were outplayed by a tenacious Croatia side who dominated the midfield with commanding performances from the likes of Luka Modric, Nico Kranjcar and Olic.

Croatia are already guaranteed top spot in their section, regardless of the result of their final group match against Poland.

This means they would most likely avoid much-fancied Portugal in the quarterfinals.