Bilic proud of second-stringers

With Croatia already guaranteed top spot in Group B following victories over Austria and Germany, Bilic opted to shuffle his pack for their final pool match but the newcomers did not disappoint their coach, putting on a convincing display.

A delighted Bilic said: "We are proud for several reasons, firstly it's a great achievement to win three games in a row, especially at a European Championships. We certainly aren't the first to do it, but there haven't been many before us."

Ivan Klasnic struck the only goal of the game just after half-time, but Croatia had much the better of the opportunities during the 90 minutes and could have enjoyed a more convincing winning scoreline.

"I want to congratulate my players, we played fabulously," Bilic added. "We were right that these (fringe) guys could play superbly. They all do that in training, but still they played very well here."

Croatia had to wait until the 52nd minute to make the breakthrough, but that was mainly down to the fine first-half display from Poland goalkeeper Artur Boruc. The Celtic custodian produced a string of fine saves, including denying Klasnic twice when the Croatia striker was clean through.

"If Boruc hadn't been such an excellent goalkeeper in the first half we could have been two goals ahead at half-time," said Bilic. "The only time the Poles threatened our goal, (Vedran) Runje did an excellent job."

However, Bilic denied that Poland were a comfortable opponent for his new-look side, despite the fact that Leo Beenhakker's side ended the tournament with just one point from their three games.

"They were not an easy opponent, they were tough and they were well organised," said the Croatia coach.

"They were not easy for the Germans or Austrians. We did not win because the Poles were bad but because we played an excellent match. I am sure this is the victory of a great Croatian team and not the defeat of a bad Poland team."