Klasnic winner for Croatia caps remarkable comeback for striker
Croatia striker Ivan Klasnic's winneragainst Poland may not have meant much in the wider scheme of things but it did to a player whose participation in the tournament is in itself an achievement.
The 28-year-old Klasnic underwent two kidney transplants in 2007 and was out of the game for a nearly a year before returning to action with club side Werder Bremen in November.
He was recalled to the Croatia squad for March's friendly against Scotland and, having sat on the bench for their opening two Euro 2008 matches against Austria and Germany, was given his chance in the game against Poland.
Fists of glory: Croatia's Ivan Klasnic celebrates his goal against Poland.
The match meant little to Croatia, who had already qualified for the quarter-finals as group winners, while opponents Poland only had a slim chance of pipping Germany and Austria to second place.
Despite that though, the much-changed side that Croatia coach Slaven Bilic put out still impressed, and none more so than Klasnic who was a constant threat to the Polish defence and capped a fine display with the only goal.
"I can only say that I am happy to have been part of this team," said Klasnic, who believes the performance proved Croatia's squad players are not just here to make up the numbers.
"Some journalists said we were the 'c' team, that we would fool around at these European Championships, but I think we have showed that we can play well and I am grateful that I had the chance to play with my team-mates."
Talking about his operation, Klasnic, who still managed to score seven goals in 16 appearance for Bremen last season, added: "I'm certainly happy to play football again, I said before the European Championships that this is a new football life for me, like a second life, so it feels like a dream.
"When I got on the pitch, I scored and I had two other chances, and thank God for that. We won the three points and we are the group winners."
Croatia coach Bilic described Klasnic's return to the top level of the game as "the perfect success story".
"We all prayed for him. We called him on the phone to encourage him, but it was actually the other way round, he encouraged us. His faith was very strong," Bilic said.
Croatia will now meet Turkey in the quarter-finals in Vienna on Friday, where they will be looking to continue their 100 per cent record in the finals after wins over Austria, Germany and Poland.
