St. Iker and the Irish flop: Day 3 Euro 2012

Day 3 of the Euros 2012 didn’t disappoint! Fantastic games featuring Spain vs Italy and Ireland vs Croatia. The match up featuring Spain and Italy, decent goals, decent skill, excellent saves and ended a fair 1-1. The only shocker of today was Ireland’s utter spanking by Croatia. Ireland goes down 3-1.

Here’s a few highlights from the Spain vs Italy clash:

Both teams would start out playing well. Spain with an interesting formation of no identifiable strikers.

In the 19^th minute, Italy would try to open it up. Iker Casillas has to make a wonderful save to deny them.

Both teams continue to press, unable to break down each other’s defence.

43^th minute Iniesta tries a shot to trick the keeper. It goes over the bar.

44^th A brilliant header by Motta of Italy,  an even more brilliant save by Iker Casillas!

Half time Italy 0-0 Spain.

Both teams came out starting out positively.

2 opportunities for Spain from Iniesta and Fagregas.

51^st minute, after a mistake from Sergio Ramos, the ball is taken by Balotelli of Italy. One on one with Casillas, Balotelli goal gazes a bit too long and is disposed by Ramos in the box.

In the 60^th minute, Di Natale, subbed in for Balotelli, pills the trigger for Italy. GOAL!!

Italy’s triumph would not last long. In the 63^rd minute, Cesc Fabregas of Spain would make a perfectly timed run, resulting in a goal.

74 th minute Torres gets a golden ball, the Italian keeper does well to tackle it from him.

Full time Spain 1-1 Italy.

The second game, which some thought might be a drag, was in fact just the opposite. An Irish spanking by a Croatia I don’t think anyone saw coming.

Here’s a little view:

Minute 2:44 Croatia opens up scoring by  Mandzukic. A mistake by the Irish keeper who was very indecisive. Fastest goal of the tournament so far!

Minute 18: Sean St. Ledger of Ireland equalizes! Game on!

The pressure would not be off Ireland for long. Minute 22 Ireland’s keeper has to make a good save from distance.

Just before the half, minute 42, Croatia scores again! Jelavic!

Half time, Ireland 2-1 Croatia.

Minute 48: Goal for Croatia again. Mandzukic again!

After several opportunities for Ireland, headers on end going to Andrews, It’s all over people!

Full time Ireland 1-3 Croatia.

Brilliant match ups!

Next match ups

Monday June 10 England vs France 10:45am

Monday June 10 Ukraine vs Sweden 1:30pm

Be there!

Lis