Euro Cup Day 3 - Thoughts and Analysis

[Group3] [Italy vs Spain] [Predicted Result – Draw with 1-1]

Before the game started, I was thinking Spain would win 1-0 but after looking at the starting line-up was more inclined towards a draw as Spain strangely decided not to have a striker in the main lineup. And that did cost them dearly as they made so many good moves in the first 20 minutes but were unable to finish. What else you can hope for when you are playing against a side which is known for their defense. With some lenient refereeing making the game rough, it was more physical than artistic. Italy got a few good chances but was denied by brilliant saves by Casillas including the one towards the end of the first half.

Balotelli missed a sure shot chance at the beginning of the first half and he was then rightly called off. The move immediately paid off with Di Natale giving Italy the lead. That gave the Spaniards some inspiration and they soon equalized through Fabregas. Finally better sense prevailed and Torres was brought in. You could see some earnestness after Torres came in but may be it was a little too late. The second half also saw the referee being a little stricter and saw as many as 7 yellow cards. Overall it was an entertaining second half but a little disappointing as Spain didn’t win it.


[Final Result – Draw - 1-1]

 

Spain	Italy
Cesc Fábregas (64')	Antonio Di Natale (61')

[Group3] [Croatia vs Ireland] [Predicted Result – Croatia will win 2-0]

Croatia scored in the 3rd minute itself with Irish defense all over the place and it looked as if it was going to be a complete rout. But the Irish pulled back and leveled in the 20th minute. Croatia got the lead again in the 43rd minute through what looked like an offside but is not as per the new rules. Overall a very competitive and entertaining 1st half but a little more consistency from the Irish defense would have made it better. So many times the ball was free and the Irish defenders were looking at each other to take control of it giving the Croatians their chances.

Croatia took the lead again within 3 minutes in the second half and the Irish had their task cut out for them. The Irish fought hard and had their share of chances but couldn’t make use of them. The Croats on their part did everything as expected to slow down the game and defend their lead.

Good day for my predictions :)

[Final Result – Croatia won 3-1]

Ireland	Croatia
Sean St. Ledger (19')	Mario Mandzukic (3')
	Nikica Jelavic (43')
	Mario Mandzukic (48')