Germany and Croatia likely to advance

The six matches in Group B will all have the intensity of derbies as Austria, Germany, Poland and Croatia battle to reach the quarter-finals.

Germany shares borders with Austria and Poland, while Croatia bordered Austria when it was part of Yugoslavia.

The history and politics which profoundly affected all four countries in the middle of the 20th century adds a certain ingredient to the mix, while the soccer histories of Austria and Germany are tightly intertwined.

Croatian coach Slaven Bilic believes that having what is regarded as a weak Austrian side in the group will make it tougher to qualify not easier.

"Why is it not good to have Austria in your group?

"Because if they are weak, all the other teams are going to beat them, so everything will be decided over two games, which is not good," Bilic said.

"It's better for it to be decided in three games. It's all about how you approach the group and your attitude."

Germany, who have won three European titles in 1972, 1980 and 1996, are favoured to go through with Croatia tipped by many pundits as a dark horse choice for the title.