Joachim Loew’s German side will take a giant step towards the knockout stages of Euro 2008 if they beat Croatia in their Group B game in Klagenfurt.

Germany were impressive in their 2-0 win over Poland, and Loew is not expected to make any major changes to the composition of his side. One possible change could be a recall to the rightback spot for Arne Freidrich. Left back Marcell Jansen might make way for him, with Bayern’s Philipp Lahm switching flanks to shift to left back. If Bastian Schweinsteiger is brought back, then Loew will probably put Podolski upfront with Klose, relegating Mario Gomez to the bench. Podolski scored twice against Poland, and no coach drops his a striker who scores.Either which ways, the Germans will be keen to carry on from where they left against Poland. The likes of Frings and Ballack had a good game, although Luka Modric and Niko Kovac will be stiff opposition- especially the former.

Croatia started off impressively against Austria, but were forced to defend for their lives against their much less fancied opponents in the second half. Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Klasnic are both possible candidates to replace Mladen Petric, who partners workhorse Ivica Olic upfront. This is the first meeting between the two sides in the European Championships since the 1996 quarterfinal which the Germans won 2-1. Slaven Bilic, one of the youngest managers at Euro 2008, was in the Croatian side then. Darijo Srna and Niko Kranjcar will look for all possible opportunities to display their playmaking talent. Srna can be deadly with set pieces, and Germany will not want to give him opportunities on the edge of the area.

If Germany win this, and Poland do as they are expected to against Austria, then it will come down to the Croatia Poland game. And I think the Germans should win this 2-1, with Klose, Podolski and Modric on the scoresheet. Germany will not understimate Croatia, who knocked England out, but another typical solid performance should see the Germans through.

Co hosts Austria face Croatia in a tough opener for Josef Hickersberger’s team at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna. A win for the home side would definitely rouse interest among the general public, most of whom are pessimistic about their side’s chances against a Croatian side that denied England a spot this summer in Austria and Switzerland.

Austria, who do not figure in the top 100 in the FIFA World Rankings, are underdogs for this game. They have never played at the European Championships before, and qualified for this one by virtue of being the co hosts. Their last two results, a 1-1 draw against Nigeria and a 5-1 thrashing of Malta, are encouraging, but many think the Croatians will pose too much of a challenge. Jurgen Macho is in goal, and the pair of Emmanuel Pogatetz and Martin Stranzl, with top level experience in England and Germany, will marshall the defence. Captain Andreas Ivanschitz has said that Austria will play with two forwards. One is likely to be Roland Linz, with Kienast, Hoffer and Harnik fighting for the other spot. Austria’s midfield, consisting of the skipper himself, Jurgen Saumel and others, will have its work cut out against Modric, Kranjcar, Kovac and Srna.

Croatia have developed into a dangerous side under Slaven Bilic. Even without star striker Eduardo, their side still packs a punch. The midfield quarter of Niko Kranjcar, new Tottenham starlet Luka Modric, dead ball specialist Darijo Srna and skipper Niko Kovac is expected to dominate the game and provide plenty of opportunities for Petric and Olic upfront. Vedran Corluka will play at rightback, with Danijel Pranjic on the left. Josip Simunic and veteran Robert Kovac are in central defence, and the Austrians will look to take advantage of this slightly vulnerable central pairing. Stipe Pletikosa provides a safe set of hands in goal.

Austria have not won in any of their last six matches at the Ernst Happel stadium. Croatia have won all three encounters between the two sides prior to this game, and three should become four for Bilic’s side. Croatia to win 3-0, with goals from Petric, Srna and Kranjcar.