1 Italy (Pirlo 39')
1 Croatia (Mandzukic 72')
After drawing against Spain, the Azzuri looked to steal
three points from Croatia. Despite going
up 1-0 after a majestic free kick from Andrea Pirlo, Luka Modric and Croatia
leveled the Italians and kept them honest, drawing 1-1.
The Italians almost drew first blood in the third minute,
but an attempt from Mario Balotelli fizzed wide past the post. The Italians kept up a strong attack on the
Croatians but missed attempts and strong saves from Stipe Pletikosa kept the
Azzuri out of the net. Andrea Pirlo
found the back of the net in the 38th minute on a magical direct
free kick. The pin-point accuracy of
Pirlo gave Pletikosa no chance for a save and the Italians were up.
Croatia awoke and drew even in the 72nd minute
when Ivan Strinic crossed a ball to the unmarked Mario Mandzukic. The mis-marked Croatian took a touch on the ball
and slammed the ball past Gianluigui Buffon.
The game ended with the two squads even at 1-1. The next matches of Group C will decide who
goes through—Italy or Croatia. Italy
must beat the Group runt, Ireland, if they wish to advance while Croatia only
has to tie group leader, Spain.
By Matt Sinacore
No comments:
Post a Comment