Group C
Italy vs Croatia
Italy face Croatia on Thursday knowing a defeat would likely eliminate them from the group stage. A valiant draw with pre-tournament favourites Spain has ignited optimism amongst the Italian camp, but failure to back it up here could spell disaster.The game’s just as important for the Croatians. An impressive win over Ireland in their opening fixture has Croatia sitting at the top of the group. However, defeat here, and with Spain to play in their last fixture, would leave their chances of progressing looking very dim.
Italy (3-5-2): Buffon; Bonucci, De Rossi, Chiellini; Maggio, Motta, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, Di Natale, Cassano.
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic; Vukojevic, Rakitic; Modric, Perisic, Mandzukic; Jelavic.
Intens matchup ends in a draw IMO.
Italy - Croatia 1:1
myPick draw@3.260
Spain vs Ireland
After the first round of fixtures, group C has been blown wide open after the Republic of Ireland were beaten comfortably 3-1 by an impressive Croatian outfit, while Spain were held to a 1-1 draw against a seemingly rejuvenated Italian side.
Vicente Del Bosque will see this game as an ideal opportunity to get his team’s defence of the European Championships back on track, after Giovanni Trappatoni’s men failed to rise to the occasion on Sunday evening with a very poor performance.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Alonso, Busquets; Xavi, Iniesta, Silva; Torres
Ireland (4-4-2): Given; Ward, Dunne, St Ledger, O’Shea; McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff; Walters, Keane
It’s very difficult to see Ireland pick up the pieces after Sunday’s deflating defeat to the Croatians. A team that entirely bases itself around defensive solidity and counter-attacking football was severely lacking in both areas, and what was left was a team devoid of ideas and pace.The Spanish will relish the clash against the demoralised Irish, and with good reason; a comfortable win is on the cards.
Spain - Ireland 4:0
myPick Spain-2 @ 2.580