The first game in group C was between the last two World Cup winners in Spain and Italy, in Gdansk. Spain looked a very strong side despite the missing Carlos Puyol and David Villa who miss the tournament through injury. Spain started with no strikers on the pitch which meant ex-Arsenal man, Cesc Fabregas lead the line. Fabregas was indeed the man to score Spain's goal after David Silva flicked the ball through to the Barcelona man to finish beyond Buffon with his left foot. However that wasn't before second half substitute Antonio Di Natale, who had come on for Mario Balotelli, finished brilliantly from just inside the box to give the Italians the lead. It was a very close match which showed off Spain's ability to pass and keep the ball whilst it also showed that Italy will be a match for anyone in the competition. The final score finished Spain 1-1 Italy.
The second match of the day was between the Republic of Ireland and Croatia. Both sides fielded a mass group of players that play and have played in the Premier League, as players such as Given, Dunne and Doyle started for Ireland, whilst Modric and Jelavic started for Croatia. Ex-Arsenal man Eduardo Da Silva was on the bench for the Croats. Ireland didn't get off to the best of starts and were behind after just three minutes as Madzukic wrong footed Given to head the ball home. The Irish were soon level though as McGeady's freekick was headed past Pletikosa by Sean St Ledger from close range. However goals either side of half time from Jelavic and then an own goal from Shay Given ensured that Croatia went top of Group C. The final score ended Republic of Ireland 1-3 Croatia.
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| St Ledger's goal wasn't enough as Ireland lost their opening group game |
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