Croatia's draw: 'Hard to wish for better'

Croatia is happy with its Euro draw in terms of both opponents and venues, local media reported Monday. Clear group winners who eliminated England with two wins, Croatia would face Austria, Poland and Germany and will play in Austria, in Vienna and Klagenfurt, both just a few hours away by car.

"It is a very good draw for us, though of course I cannot guarantee passage," the new national hero, coach Slaven Bilic, said after the draw.

"I said before that there will be no easy groups, so I'm not going to say this one's easy," he said. "We respect all sides and fear none ... we can play on equal footing with any European team."

Croatian media were more euphoric, still in full swing after Croatia's brilliant showing in qualifications.

"Croatia in a good group and near its fans," the 24Sata daily said, while Vecernji List noted "it was difficult to wish for better."

"Apart from having a group from which it is realistic to expect to advance, Bilic's boys will play their matches in Vienna and Klagenfurt,' Vecernji said.