A winner in the Croatia/Spain game with an Italy win would provide an easy answer as to who would go through. With the Italian win already presumed, Croatia knew that, with this backward non-goal difference way of selecting the winner, a 0-0 and a 1-1 draw would not be enough to see them go through at Italy's expense. The only way a 1-1 draw may have been enough was if Italy won 2-0, which of course they did.
Italy began to keep their end of the bargain nine minutes before half-time when Antonio Cassano headed them ahead. Meanwhile, Croatia arguably played better than Spain during the other match and had the better chances. Ivan Rakitic had a fantastic chance in the second half when Luka Modric's cross was met with his header four yard from goal. But the attempt was straight at Iker Casillas who was then equal to the second attempt.
The chances that did come Spain's way were either wasted by over-play or saved by Stipe Pletikosa. But that changed two minutes from the end when Cesc Fabregas played a delicious lofted pass to Andres Iniesta. Despite being through on goal, Iniesta then rolled the ball across to substitute Jesus Navas to smash the ball home.
Ireland's final farewell at Euro 2012 came in the final minute of normal time when Keith Andrews received a second yellow card for his reaction to conceding a free-kick. Mario Balotelli then made it 2-0 in injury time, hooking a corner kick behind him and past Shay Given. Full table:
Spain 7 +5
Italy 5 +2
Croatia 4 +1
Rep.Ireland 0 -8
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