Rep of Ireland 1-3 Croatia: Mario Mandzukic stars as Ireland disappoint

STV

Croatia are top of Group C following the first round of Euro 2012 matches after seeing off the Republic of Ireland 3-1.

Mario Mandzukic, Nikica Jelavic and a Shay Given own goal gave Slaven Bilic’s side their two-goal cushion, with Sean St Ledger having equalised for the Irish in the first half.

Robbie Keane was denied a second-half penalty after Gordon Schildenfeld clipped his heels inside the penalty area, only for his protests to be ignored by the referee.

Both sides went into the fixture knowing three points would be vital in their efforts to reach the knockout stages, with Spain and Italy having played out a score draw earlier in the day.

It was Croatia who would seize the initiative, with Mandzukic finding room in the box to place a header past Shay Given from 12 yards with just three minutes played.

Sean St Ledger then headed in an Aiden McGeady free-kick to level the scores 15 minutes later, pipping Verdan Corluka to the ball to beat Stipe Pletikosa from close range.

Ireland, though, failed to make it in at the break level, with Jelavic pouncing to put Croatia back in front despite claims he was in an offside position.

The Everton striker benefited from a break of the ball in the box shortly before the break, finding himself completely unmarked behind the defensive line to prod the ball past Shay Given after Stephen Ward played a clearance directly into his path.

Croatia then increased their lead three minutes into the second period, with Mandzukic the architect.

Given was helpless to prevent the forward's header as it bounced off the post and against his head, giving Croatia a two-goal cushion.

WATCH THE KEY MOMENTS

Mario Mandzukic heads in the opener for Croatia

Sean St Ledger gets on the end of Aiden McGeady’s free-kick to equalise for Ireland

Nikica Jelavic makes it 2-1 to Croatia

Shay Given scores an own goal from Mandzukic’s header to increase Croatia’s lead

Ireland denied a penalty after Robbie Keane is fouled in the box

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