Two goals from Mario Mandžukić ruined Ireland's long-awaited return to
a EURO finals as Croatia opened up with an impressive victory in
Poznan.
Mario Mandžukić struck twice as Croatia opened their UEFA EURO 2012
campaign with a stylish victory against the Republic of Ireland.
A match played in incessant rain for long periods produced anything
but a damp squib. Mandžukić, a focal point for Croatia throughout,
struck as early as the third minute – the sixth-fastest goal in EURO
history. Ireland rallied to level through centre-back Sean St Ledger,
but Mandžukić grabbed his second after Nikica Jelavić had reclaimed
the lead and Croatia never looked like slipping up from there.
Enjoying their first experience of a UEFA European Championship in 24
years, Ireland's fans were in boisterous mood despite the deluge in
Poznan, but Croatia soon rained on their parade. Ireland failed to
clear a corner, Darijo Srna's cross came off the back of Stephen Ward
and – despite an untimely stumble – Mandžukić guided a precise header
to Shay Given's left, with the goalkeeper's desperate clawed attempt
not enough to keep it out.
The goal subdued the large contingent of fans dressed in green and
Nikica Jelavić was nearly in straight away for a second, only to be
denied by a wonderfully timed challenge from Richard Dunne. However,
the Irish supporters soon rediscovered their voices as their team
regained their composure. Damien Duff shot wide, Keith Andrews had a
free-kick blocked and then, in the 19th minute, they levelled.
Vedran Čorluka – only passed fit on the eve of the match – bundled
over Kevin Doyle on the left flank and from the resulting Aiden
McGeady free-kick, St Ledger lost Čorluka at the back post to head
firmly past Stipe Pletikosa. Croatia came back at Giovanni
Trapattoni's men, though. Given had to beat away Ivan Perišić's drive,
Jelavić headed just wide and Luka Modrić fired straight at the Ireland
No1. The pressure was building, and Ireland's defence soon burst.
Another half-cleared corner came to Modrić. His tame effort ricocheted
into Ward who could only stab the ball towards his own goal – his
second inadvertent assist of the night – and Jelavić was waiting to
flick a deft finish over the onrushing Given.
If the goal came at a bad time for Ireland, just before half-time,
Croatia were not about to let the lead slip this time. Three minutes
after the break, Perišić's invitation of a cross was met with glee by
Mandžukić, and his powerful header hit the post, before striking the
prone Given and cannoning in.
Croatia were playing on the break now, inviting Ireland on to them.
Trapattoni brought on Jon Walters and Simon Cox, but apart from set
pieces, Ireland were looking forlorn going forward. As their belief
ebbed, Croatia reassumed their hold on possession. Ivan Rakitić shot
narrowly wide and Mandžukić was a constant threat. Ireland supplied
some late pressure, Andrews in particular going close with a couple of
headers, but Croatia were good value for the three points and have the
early lead in Group C after Italy and Spain's draw earlier in the day. ◦
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