Sunday, June 10, 2012

Republic of Ireland 1 - 2 Croatia (half-time)


It's been a really entertaining match as both teams are trying to win the match, but with Croatia having a bit more quality than Ireland. After just 1 minute Ireland had a chance, when Aiden McGeady crossed it to Keith Andrews, but he headed over. But Croatia responded well and after just 3 minutes scored a goal, Mario Mandzukic seemed to slip, but headed towards the goal, with Given seems to jump late, and the goal entered the goal.




Ireland were immediately looking to draw. duff ran towards the line, crossed the ball, but it was cleared. But Ireland  seemed sloppy at times, and gave possession cheaply far too much. Ireland scored the goal after just 17 minutes when a free-kick met the header of Sean St Ledger and made it 1-all.



Croatia started immediately looking for the goal and a shot by Perisic was saved by Shay Given. Modric was the player that created chances and space and a good run from the player, passed it to Mandzukic but tried to pass, when he should have run with the ball. Ireland had another free-kick similar to the goal, but it was over kicked, and Ward could not reach it. The match was really entertaining with both chances looking for opening spaces. Ireland have the record that they never scored 2 goals in a European Championship, until now. The stadium seems to be filled with Irish fans as every tackle is greeted with applause. Croatia tried to push more and Strinic crossed the ball, but Jelavic could not head the ball towards the goal. But the goal was in the air, and came just minutes after this, and with half-time around the corner, when Jelavic got the ball, after a mistake by Ward, and scored an easy goal.



2nd Half


Croatia scored early in the second half, which made the game easier to control. It came just after 3 minutes when a shot by Mandzukic hit the post, but bounced on the head of Given and entered the goal. The goal was assigned to Mandzukic, but it's more than an auto-goal rather Mandzukic goal. Ireland looked dangerous only from set pieces, as free kick and corners were the only concern for Croatia. Ireland were not able to create play, but their fans cheered them on. Ireland on th 60th minute claimed a penalty, which the replays showed that the referee could have given it. A free-kick by Duff was headed by Dunne, but Pletikosa saved it easily. Duff seemed the most dangerous man for Ireland as he tried his best to get crosses in the box. Croatia defened well, clearing all possible chances of goals, with their attackers looking to pounce any mistakes which Ireland could make. And Croatia could have scored more, Srna passed the ball to Rakitic, whose shot went inches wide. Ireland operated mainly aerially, but seemed to lack creativity, as Croatia deservedly won the match 3-1, who now face Italy.

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