Poland’s slender hopes of avoiding an early exit in Euro 2008 were all but dashed when Croatia hero Ivan Klasnic handed his side three points with a solitary strike.

The Poles needed a win against already-qualified Croatia in addition to Austria beating Germany in the other match of the day. Unfortunately, both scenarios failed to happen for them, which ensured that they head home after their encounter with Croatia.

Although Croatia coach Slaven Bilic made nine changes to his regular first XI in preparations for Croatia’s quarter-final match with Turkey, his new-look side still proved to be too much for Poland to handle, as they dominated much of the game from the start.

Poland had their best moments in the opening minutes of the first half, but was unable to test Vedran Runje in the Croatia goal.

Klasnic struck the only goal of the game at the end of a low Danijel Pranjic cut-back in the 52nd minute to earn Croatia a deserved victory and an impressive 100 per cent record in the group stages.