Croatia began their World Cup warm-up preparations in style with an impressive 4-1 away win against Austria in their international friendly match in Vienna.

Undefeated throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign, Zlatko Kranjcar's Croatia looked strong throughout this World Cup warm-up encounter, with the game being all but over in the first-half after two goals from Werder Bremen striker Ivan Klasnic.

Second half strikes from Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Marko Babic and Bosko Balaban sealed an assured performance by Zlatko Kranjcar's team, with a goal from Austrian captain Andreas Ivanschitz for the hosts.

“I am very happy with the way we played,” coach Kranjcar told Austrian television.

“At the start at least we were up against a very well-organised defence, yet we managed to break it down with some good individual skills and also by converting the few chances that came our way.”

Klasnic put Croatia ahead after 11 minutes, following a lovely build-up involving his strike partner, Dado Prso from Glasgow Rangers and midfield playmaker Marko Babic.

Completely against the run-of-play, the usually strong Austria, who failed to qualify for the World Cup Finals in a qualifying group that included both England and Poland, grabbed a bizarre equaliser just three minutes later when captain Andreas Ivanschitz scored directly from a corner kick.

Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa - who is still battling for a first-team place in Croatia's starting line-up with Tomislav Butina from Club Bruges – made a lunge at the ball only to carry it back over his goal-line to make it 1-1.

Klasnic restored the visitors' lead 10 minutes before the break with a superb solo effort beating three Austria defenders before rounding goalkeeper Helge Payer and slotting the ball home.

Kranjcar's decision to substitute Klasnic at half-time did little to stem the Croatian attack, with Babic scoring his side's third goal 10 minutes after the restart with a shot deflected in off Austria's Paul Scharner.

Fellow substitute Ivica Olic from CSKA Moscow, also had three or four chances at goal, but was denied by the Austrian defence.

Nico Krankjar, son of the head coach Zlatko Kranjkar, who was controversially included in the squad, validated his inclusion, showing great skill throughout the match, serving pinpoint crosses into the box.

Club Bruges striker Bosko Balaban, a 57th minute substitute, completed the mauling with a well-struck free kick in the 69th minute to score the fourth, and his ninth international goal, to give the Croatians a worthy win.

Croatia have been drawn against Brazil, Australia and Japan in Group F and play their opening World Cup game against world champions Brazil on June 13.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg | google | yahoo | technorati