On a day where solid defense (the calling card of Ireland under Giovanni Trapattoni) would have won the day, it was the mental lapses of the back four that cost The Boys in Green an important opening day result. A sloppy clearance and a bad bounce were the difference in this surprisingly open fixture.
To say that Ireland deserved a point would be misleading. Croatia is a more talented side and it showed through in the second half as they put together a few moments of brilliance that stretched the game out of reach. A nice build up with some nifty passing by Croatia in the early moments of the second half led to an unlucky bounce as a Mario Mandzukic's header caromed off the post and Irish goalkeeper Shay Given's face, and buried itself into the back of the net. That play ended a run of about 20 minutes where Croatia took control of the game.
The match started poorly for the raucous supporters of Ireland as the team conceded a goal in just the third minute of play. Croatia dominated the ball to start the game and eventually a bad deflection off a blocked cross led to the first of two Mandzukic headers that ended up in the back of the net. Croatia maintained possession off an early corner and Darijo Srna worked his way down to the touchline and put in a cross that deflected off the back of defender Stephen Ward and right to the waiting Mandzukic. It seemed as if Shay Given was slow to react and he may have had his vision hampered by congestion in the box.
Ireland was clearly stung from conceding early but gradually imposed themselves on the game. From about the fifth minute on, the game opened up and started moving end to end. Ireland is known for sitting back and waiting for the counter but they got out an chased the game to some success. They had a clear advantage down the wings for most of the first half with Vedran Corluka being victimized on the right side of the Croatian defense. In the 19th minute Corluka brought down Irish striker Kevin Doyle outside the right corner of the Croatian penalty area. A beautifully weighted ball by winger Aiden McGeady found the head of Irish defender Sean St. Ledger as he ducked in behind the last of the Croatian defenders. News from the commentators darkened the day as it was announced that Ireland has only once scored more than one goal in a game in a major finals.
After the first 30 minutes Croatia settled into their game and started to threaten again. In the 33rd minute Croatian playmaker Luka Modric drilled a shot from about 20 yards out that ended up going straight at the goalkeeper. Striker Nikica Jelavic and midfielder Ivan Perisic had a nice one/two that Perisic volleyed just wide of the goal in the 36th minute. Just before halftime Ireland conceded a second goal. Modric switched from his right to his left foot at the top of the Irish box and fired a left footed shot that pin-balled its way through the Irish defense. The ball fell at the feet of Ireland's Stephen Ward and he side footed his attempted clearance leaving the ball clean at the feet of Jelavic who has proven since January that he will not miss from close range. Apparently 41 of Jelavic's last 44 goals have been scored with one touch. Now that is a striker.
Throughout the second half Ireland pressured the Croatian defense as they tried to force their way back into the game. Croatia defended calmly and competently and goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa was only forced to make one tough save. As an Irish fan I'd be remiss to not mention the clear penalty kick call in the 62nd minute against Croatia that was turned down by the referee.
Croatia Man of the Match - Mario Mandzukic - He was johnny on the spot today.
Ireland Man of the Match - Keith Andrews - The lone bright spot throughout the match.
