The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Berlin

Germany football legend Franz Beckenbauer said Friday he was shocked by the Germans' 2-1 Euro 2008 defeat at the hands of Croatia and said Joachim Loew's side should now fear Austria on Monday.

Germany had been one of the pre-tournament favourites, but produced a lacklustre performance in Klagenfurt, Austria, on Thursday against classy Croatia, who now look certain to win Group B at the Germans' expense.

Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as both a player (1974) and coach (1990), said he could not understand how Germany could beat Poland 2-0 so convincingly last Sunday only to stumble against the Croats.

"I had said after the victory against Poland we did not have to fear anybody, after this defeat I now say it's necessary to fear Austria," Beckenbauer told German tabloid Bild ahead of their final group match in Vienna.

"I find it hard to understand what happened against Croatia.

"How is it possible for the same team that produced such a great performance against Poland four days earlier to slip up so badly?

"Germany appeared lethargic, they made lots of errors and lacked an aggressive edge.

"I have rarely seen two different faces from the same team in just four days."

The Croats were well worth their victory - which came 10 years after the biggest result in their history when they beat the same opponents 3-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals.

And Beckenbauer conceded: "But it should also be noted the Croats made an excellent impression."

Beckenbauer says he sees little point in Germany coach Loew making any changes to his team as Germany now need at least a point against Austria in Vienna on Monday to book their place in the last eight.