IT’S A GOOD THING THEY DIDN’T CALL IT “THE GROUP OF DEATH”, BECAUSE ALL FOUR TEAMS IN GROUP B ARE STILL ALIVE!

In an upset so shocking it’s not even funny, lightly regarded Croatia knocked off perennial power and four time Champion Germany by the score of 2-1.  The Croats open the scoring in the 24th minute after stringing an amazing 18 consecutive passes together against the vaunted German defense, as Darjo Srna tucked away a nifty cross to cap off the possession.  Ivica Olic added to the score line in the 62nd minute to make it 2-0.  Germany was able to pull one back in the 79th as Lukas Podolski tied for the tournament scoring lead with a thunderous half volley.  But that was all they could muster as all four teams will have to wait for their final group games on Tuesday to determine which one will advance with Croatia to the quarterfinals.

Austria kept their slim hopes alive against Poland with a last ditch penalty kick in extra time.

Ivica Vastic (yep, another guy named Ivica) equalized from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute, much to the despair of the protesting Poles.  Austria plays Germany and Croatia takes on Poland as three teams vie for that critical final spot in The Group On Life Support.

In today’s matches, World Cup Champion Italy look to bounce back from their 3-0 loss to The Netherlands, as they encounter Romania.  The Oranje hope to stamp their ticket to the Quarters against les bleus of France.