Kevin Kilbane fears for Giovanni Trapattoni’s future as the Republic of Ireland's campaign at Euro 2012 ended in the same way it began, in defeat and by conceding poor goals from set plays. The Hull City winger is hoping that the Italian is allowed to stay on as manager and some of the more senior players within the squad remain ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. Kilbane believes that a little reality check is needed and people should appreciate how far Ireland has come under the current boss.
Italy 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli secured the victory Italy needed against the Republic of Ireland to reach the last eight of Euro 2012 as runners up in Group C.
A tense first half in which the already eliminated Irish started brightly ended with them going behind to Cassano’s header in the 35th minute before Balotelli wrapped up the win at the death to ensure Cesare Prandelli’s men made it into the quarter finals behind Spain who finished top of the group after beating Croatia in Gdansk.
Maximum points was the requirement for Italy and while they eventually came up with the goods, a plucky Ireland side, whose exit was confirmed last week, made them sweat. Giovani Trapattoni’s side ended the tournament pointless a but restored a sense of pride, despite Keith Andrews‘ sending off, with a display that threatened to spoil the 2006 World Cup winners’ hopes of reaching the knock-out phase.
Spain 1-0 Croatia
A late goal from Jesus Navas smoothed Spain’s passage into the quarter finals as Group C winner’s eliminating Croatia from Euro 2012 in the process.
The defending champions weren’t their usual selves in Gdansk as Slaven Bilic’s side gave them an almighty scare before Navas broke the deadlock at the death to ensure his country progress into the last eight. Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic wasted good chances to put Croatia in front before Spain stole victory and now head home after Italy beat the Republic of Ireland to finish runners.
On the balance of play Bilic’s men deserved to take something from the game as they continually thwarted Vicente del Bosque’s side who were unwavering at the back but unusually blunt in the final third and will be relieved that they managed to snatch the late win they needed to come out on top in the group.
England Watch
Roy Hodgson has warned his side off showing complacency ahead of tonight’s game against the Ukraine, and the players should be treating the match at the Donbass Arena as their cup final.
“There have been plenty of surprises already in the tournament and we are not unaware that, with expectations building, we are starting to become the favourites, but that doesn't change anything. We have got a cup final and we will do the best to play as we have done in the previous two games. I have made it clear to the players that nothing other than that will be good enough. If we think this is going to be an easier game for some reason then we are fooling ourselves.”
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