EURO 2012: Spain And Italy Battle To 1-1 Draw; Croatia On Top Of Group After 3-1 Win Over Ireland

Action from Group C in the European Championship commenced with two games played in Poland on Sunday.


At Gdansk:





Italy and Spain battle to a 1-1 draw.  Antonio Di Natale scored for the Azzurri in the 61st minute, only to see Cesc Fabregas (that's him celebrating with a teammate) equalize for the defending European and world champions in the 64th.


PA photo


At Poznan:











Mario Mandzukic scored twice (3', 49') as Croatia defeated the Republic of Ireland 3-1.  Here's Nikica Jelavic, beating Irish goalkeeper Shay Given in the 43rd minute for the other Croatian goal, as shown.


GROUP C STANDINGS:


1. Croatia (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
2. Spain (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
3. Italy (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
4. Republic of Ireland (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)