The Austrians were ecstatic over hosting the big event and hoped the euphoria reflects on the field but Modric's fourth-minute penalty shattered their hopes.

The new Tottenham Hotspur playmaker sent a low finish home after Ivica Olic was fouled inside the area by Rene Aufhauser.

Croatia controlled the midfield after taking the lead but striking duo Olic and Mladen Petric came failed to widen the gap.

Despite playing the home side, Croatia was cheered by some 20.000 supporters, who turned cautious in the second period as the Austrians started to threaten.

Austria used the flanks well, sending several neat crosses into the Croatian box but they failed to grab the equalizer.

Group favorites Germany take on Poland late on the same day.