The Republic of Ireland went into Sunday night’s game against Croatia in Poznan on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run, but our luck finally ran out on a wet night in Poland and we went down 3-1. The nation had built itself into frenzy by 7.45 p.m. on Sunday night; streets in many towns and villages were decorated with bunting and many cars flew miniature tricolours.
But homes and pubs across the country were silenced after three minutes when Croatia scored. From a corner the ball broke to Mandzukic and his weak header beat Given from 16 yards. Given, who got his finger tips to the ball, was probably unsighted and had begun to move in the opposite direction when Mandzukic headed towards goal.
After that terrible start the Irish began to play attractive football, passing the ball confidently and they got the equaliser they deserved on 19 minute. Kevin Doyle was causing the Croatian defence problems and when he was fouled by Corluka, McGeady’s free kick found the head of Seán St Ledger, who made no mistake from two yards out.
Ireland depended very much on the long ball tactic, while Croatia played more composed football and towards the end of the first half they began to take control of the game. When Croatia’s second goal came on 42 minutes, it was a controversial one. Ward appeared to have been fouled when trying to clear and the ball fell to Jelavic, who beat Given from close range.
Three minutes into the second half it got worse, when Mandzukic was allowed a free header and the ball bounced off the foot of the upright on to Given’s head and into the net. Disaster.
Robbie Keane was denied a penalty on 62 minutes, but the view from the RTE panel was that the Dutch referee didn’t give the penalty as a Croatia player had been lying injured for approximately 30 seconds and the Irish players didn’t kick the ball out of play. Overall very disappointing and with Spain and Italy to come, it’s not going to get any easier for the Boys in Green.
Irish line-up: Given, O’Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward, McGeady, Andrews, Whelan, Duff, Keane, Doyle. Subs: Walters for Doyle 53 mins; Cox for McGeady 53 mins; Long for Keane 70 mins.
