footballtalkies.com we talk football
The final games of Group C turned ut exactly as punters predicted them to be, with Spain going through to the quarterfinals after ousted Croatia 1 – 0 through a late goal from Jesus Navaz, and Italy outplayed the already-ousted Republic of Ireland totally with a 2 – 0 result. However, it was not all cherry and cream for the Spainsh, who were made to fight tooth and nail till the 82nd minute for their goal, which was the result of probably the only defensive error Croatia committed. Ireland was already out, and Italy for the first time in the tournament played with total conviction with Cassano and Balotelli shaking the net for the Azzuri. It was an interesting encounter with the Irish giving the Italians a taste of their own defensive medicine concocted by the Irish ex-Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni.
Spain vs Croatia (1 – 0)
The first deciding game between Spain and Croatia at Gdansk delivered as the encounter it was promised to be, as both teams had four points and a win would put either through. Croatia was more concerned as a draw would result in them getting eliminated. Slaven Bilic dropped striker Nikica Jelavic with a strategy to tighten up the midfield 4-5-1 to counter Spanish likes of Xavi, Xabi, Silva and Iniesta, which saw results. David Silva threatened the Croats with his every move and his lethal short passes, but the Croats dispossessed the Spanish throughout. The Spanish attacked and attacked, but the Croats locked up their half, their defence and goalkeeper Pletikosa denying Torres and Xavi. The news that Italy took the lead against Ireland snapped Croatia to their heels and Iker Cassilas was tested a couple of times. Tension filled the air and Croatia continued denying Spain who grew increasingly frustrated that despite controlling the ball for a whopping 62% of the time, they couldn’t find the key to unlock the Croat defense. That key was found when Torres was substituted for Navaz, who finally put an end to the mayhem just 8 minutes from the final whistle. The Croatian defense was pushing forward and Iniesta ran ahead, collecting a Fabregas pass and saw no one ahead of him. He generously passed the ball to Navaz who was running beside him. He easily put in the ball into the empty net as Pleticosa had his eyes on Iniesta. Croatia was done.
Italy vs Republic of Ireland (2 – 0)
Italy needed an all-out victory in their last game to survive and they were determined to get it. They saw themselves through in a rough game which they totally dominated, except in the first few minutes. Ireland came in with a nothing-to-lose attitude, cheered by their huge support base which turns up in large numbers whenever Ireland play, chanting and singing along, happy faces no matter if they win or lose. For Italy, Antonio Di Natale started instead of Mario Balotelli. Ireland were the ones who started off with Kevin Doyle getting his first attempt at goal just ten seconds after kickoff. However, Italy took control of the game with repeated attempts at the Irish goal, and Shay Given had his hands full throughout the game. The imminent Italian goal came in the 35th minute, when Antonio Cassano headed in a Andrea Pirlo header. The game then became rough, with both the teams committing 38 fouls between them. Italy took home 3 yellow cards and Ireland 4, which included Keith Andrews’ two yellows which earned him a Red Card. He created some ruckus before heading off the pitch. Then, in the 90th minute Mario Balotelli who came in for Di Natale came up with a stunning overheard-backwards kick from a Diamanto corner which flew into the net despite John O’Shea’s fierce challenge and best efforts. Instead of celebrating though, he looked at his bench and started mouthing something before Giorgio Chiellini rushed in and covered his mouth. Anyway, the Irish challenge was over.
Croatia who have become a major footballing power in Europe since their independence from erstwhile Yugoslavia in 1995 were looking to get through the quarterfinals the second successive time, but unfortunately failed but they went down fighting against the World Champions, after great displays against Italy and Ireland. The Republic of Ireland were looking to salvage atleast a draw but were destined to return home empty handed, along with the Dutch who are the only other team to lose all their group matches. But the cheery and ever-happy green supporters of the Irish and the checkered Croatians fans will be sorely missed from the rest of the tournament.
