Group C

The Italians put their recent troubles behind them to earn a draw against world and European champions Spain. Both teams played positive football without finding the net in the first half as Casillas saved from a close-range Motta header just before the break. Di Natale timed his run into the box and screwed the ball past Casillas on the hour mark but Spain were level within 4 minutes when Fabregas knocked in Silva's pass beyond Buffon. Substitute Torres showed hunger but lacked bite as he squandered 2 opportunities to net the winner for Spain.
(Spain 1 Italy 1)

The Republic of Ireland were dealt a huge blow as they lost their opening Euro 2012 match 3-1 to Croatia for whom Mario Mandžukic scored twice. Croatia got off to a perfect start when Mandzukic beat Given with a weak header in the 3rd minute, but the Irish pulled level in the 19th minute when St Ledger headed in from a free kick. In the 43rd minute a deflected shot fell to the unmarked Jelavic who poked the ball past Given from the 6 yard line and 3 minutes after the break Mandzukic flicked his header in off the post and the unfortunate Shay Given to extend Croatia's lead.
(Croatia 3 Republic of Ireland 1)