Olic levels for Croatia (Allsport).

Croatia coach Mirko Jozic praised the fighting spirit of his "heroes" after they came from behind to beat Italy 2-1.

Christian Vieri put the Azzurri ahead before Ivica Olic and Milan Rapaic scored to give the Croatians victory.

Jozic said: "I would like to point out it was the heart of my players that was decisive. They were heroes in tonight's match.

"It was the decision of my team not to give up and an important moment was when we equalised and after that we decided to attack.

"Usually I like to praise individuals, but today would be a big mistake to name one player.

"I told them how much I admire them, they were heroes, they were dying for each other out on the pitch."

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni was left to reflect on two disallowed goals by English referee Graham Poll, including one in injury time.

He said: "We controlled the game and we would have at least deserved a win. One of the goals cancelled was okay, maybe even two were okay.

"We had a lot of chances at the end and I do not understand why our equaliser was not allowed."

"But for us, I still think we will have good chances to go on in the tournament."

Trapattoni believes the Italians threw away the initiative.

He continued: "I think we had some problems at the end of the first half and we had to make some changes in defence (Marco Materazzi for Alessandro Nesta).

"Croatia were very confident at that moment, but after a short time we controlled the game.

"I think we had control of the game but then we had that attack from them that gave them the goal.

"I think that was the turning point. I think we had psychological problems after the first goal and I think the second goal was very lucky."