Italy v Croatia Match of the Day Live

Good afternoon, the European Championship continues to sparkle.

Judging by the way Italy and Croatia have started the tournament,

these Adriatic neighbours could provide us with another cracking

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Group C is nicely poor East. A win for Croatia and they are definitely

through. A winner for Italy and they will be in good shape with

Ireland to come. Here alongside Alan and the Clarence is Alan

Pardew. What have you made of this so far? It has been a super

tournament in terms of the way the tournament in terms of the way the

coaches have approached it. It has been open and the teams have a look

to get the winner. In many of these tournaments you see teams have

stale month that -- stalemates and it is boring but this has been

great. Why have you seen this gear change from the World Cup? I know

the be all played a big part but why do you think there has been

such a positive change? I genuinely think it is difficult for defenders

in today's game. You make any challenge and there is no

physicality allowed so there are free kicks and fouls and it is

difficult for defenders and I think coaches have noticed that and there

is more of a gear shift to go at teams and try and get goals. Both

Italy and Croatia impressed us in the first round and were better

than we thought they would be prior to the tournament. Especially

Croatia, I was very impressed with them. They have got a good chance

today. They could beat Italy. changes for Croatia. That doesn't

surprise me. I was very impressed with their performance. They have

to win that game. That was the game that they were expected to get off

to a good start. With the two guys up front you have always got the

opportunity to win the game. Jelavic and Mandzukic, I was very

impressed with the the both of them. They were a real handful. They did

everything a centre-forward should do, going behind, going short,

getting in the box and scoring getting in the box and scoring

goals. Mandzukic get the ball there. This is a remarkable header. It is

so far out and the accuracy he gets, if you watch it closely he goes

down on one knee and Det sup and two headed back across the goal, to

get that accuracy is quite remarkable. What we have seen that

Jelavic and a short time he has been there is that he is shop and

he wants to score goals. He is sharper than anyone else in this

box and that is a very clever finish. Great work from the both of

them in pairing. One short and one would long, as you would expect.

His may knows where he is anti spins Jelavic, 1-2, all the way.

You get into the area where centre- forwards Willcock -- score goals.

Just look where they end up. They very rarely move out of there

because they both know that that is where it is going to come into and

that is where they will score goals. Mandzukic and that was a great

header and if that gets taken of him that would be harsh to give

that to wait own goal to Shay Given. Balotelli might be in the team for

Italy today. Croatia are a powerful side and they have great technique.

You are sunny surprise that he is, the same team for Italy that

Balotelli has stayed in instead of di Natale. Yes, a bit surprised

because at the end there was fireworks from Italy. That is that

is Balotelli and there is always fireworks. This is warmer than he

gets. He wants a penalty here. Just watch his reaction here. It is just

incredible. Punching the ground, he is like a crazy mad man. That was a

foul. What he is doing here, I'm not quite sure. He makes the ball

and does very well to get back but I don't know what he was doing. He

gets substituted. Di Natale comes on and that is a great, great run.

Anybody watching their, youngsters, look at the way he Ben's is run. He

does not run straight in there. No, he just fences so he is not offside

and he times it to perfection and it is a great pass through and an

even better finish. What do you make of the way the Italians are

playing? Three at the back is quite a surprise. Absolutely, that is a

big surprise already. They have a midfield that is different from

what we are useful for -- used to. They have quality players in the

midfield so I think they will try to have possession of the ball and

put their strikers in action. Even though, at the end, with Spain and

because of Spain they had to get back a bit more. Italy are the only

team who had less possession and England in the first round but they

were playing Spain. Are you surprised because they are usually

quite good at getting the ball? Spanish are masters of it. Today

the key is going to be the midfield battle. If Croatia stay with the

two strikers at the top of the pitch then I think Italy might get

a grip on position and they could get more possession than they did

against Spain and they could dominate the game. It will be

interesting to see if they can get round player one macro a little bit.

Traditionally they have always been excellent at it. If you ever

playing against Italy you knew you would be a up for a tough game. The

anything I would say is that in this team they have just one guide

who is in double figures as a goalscorer and he is playing

centre-half. That is a question for me, there will score the goals?

Clarets, what are the feelings in Italy? I think they can win it. It

is the Clermont Auvergne grows into a tournament and they know how to

be very general. I learned that in the World Cup! I foresee another

draw. I am going to have Croatia. Italy. They have a, a split

decision. Italy have only won the Euro is a once and that was in 1968

and England were third that year. Could this be a year? It is

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The commentators in the Poznan are Mark Wright and Simon Brotherton.

We go into the anthems first, with Croatia. MUSIC: "Lijepa Nasa

Domovino" (Our Beautiful Homeland). # Lijepa nasa domovino.

# Oj junacka zemljo mila. # Stare slave djedovino.

# Da bi vazda sretna bila! # Mila, kano si nam slavna.

# Mila si nam ti jedina. # Mila, kuda si nam ravna.

# Mila, kuda si planina! # Teci Savo, Dravo teci.

# Nit'ti Dunav silu gubi. # Sinje more svijetu reci.

# Da svoj narod Hrvat ljubi. # Dok mu njive sunce grije.

# Dok mu hrasce bura vije. # Dok mu mrtve grobak krije.

# Dok mu zivo srce bije #. A winter day from Croatia and they are

through to the quarter-finals with room to spare. That is an incentive

with Spain in the final game. MUSIC: "Inno di Mameli" ("The

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta.

# Dell'elmo di Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo.

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta.

# Dell'elmo di Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo.

# Stringiamoci a coorte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# Italia chiamo. # Stringiamoci a coorte.

# Siam pronti alla morte. # Italia chiamo #. Si! Italy have

not missed a single tournament for 20 years since you wrote 92. -- the

euro Euro 92. Slaven Bilic was bowled in his attack mode and there

seems little to change here in terms of their approach. Amidst a

troubling allegation of corruption, Italy's team have performed better

than some had expected in their than some had expected in their

opening game against the Spanish. The talking point among the

Italians ahead of this one would be whether Mario Balotelli would keep

his place in the starting line-up and the answer is that he does with

Antonio di Natale who came off the bench to score named among the

substitutes once more. Daniele de Rossi continues in a makeshift

central defensive role in an unchanged line-up. Player two macro

wins only his second cap. Player . Buffon is on the left there,

winning his 116 cap for Italy. Bilic will look for more of the

same after his team's impressive showing against Ireland. Not

surprisingly Croatia are unchanged with the captain on the right and a

highly sought after Tottenham midfielder likely to be the key

orchestrators. The two for would have started the tournament really

well. Mandzukic with too cold and a Jelavic with a help to -- helping

impact sub for Italy. Croatia can call on the likes of the former

here at the jurors in terms of population but they are unbeaten

against Italy and world champions as recently as 2006 and one of the

true heavyweights of the European game. These two sides suffered the

same fate for years ago, losers in the last game by penalty shoot-outs.

Italy lost to the eventual winners Spain and Croatia lost to Turkey.

Howard Webb get us under way here. He refereed the World Cup final in

South Africa are just two years ago. Mark Bright is alongside me in the

Italy got a credible draw against the world champions, Spain. I am

looking forward to the game. Italy secured 26 points in qualifying,

winning eight of their ten games. Their best ever return. They are

not fancied to do well. journalist said it was the poorest

Italian side he had seen for 25 years. They didn't look that poor

against Spain. I wonder what Modric thinks of the going on so at White

Hart Lane? -- going on us. defence of Croatia lacks a bit of

pace. Ballotelli cannot turn them, and run at them. -- cannot turn

them. I think -- there is a Slaven Bilic, his first match in charge of

Croatia was against Italy. He is nice move for me to leave.

Ballotelli on the turn! He looks sharp, early on. A super turn. That

is a neat touch, he has a little shimmy. He uses both feet, very

unlucky. What you make of Ballotelli? He is unpredictable,

and has odd behaviour? It is a dilemma, whether he plays on not. I

think at 34 years old, di Natale comes off the bench. He has the

best strike ratio, but at 34, probably best not to start the game.

He has only played once since scoring against Slovakia in the

last World Cup. Looking at the statistics, Ballotelli and Cassano

have ten goals in between them. That is a free kick for Italy. He

goes down under the challenge. He didn't miss a single minute of the

qualification process. One of seven players from Juventus, who had just

won the Italian title. -- have just one. The throw was won by Darijo

Srna, the captain. It is not just Modric he was influential. Held up

of the Italian or three in midfield. Not his usual position. Croatia's

team, one of the taller sides here, and Italy, certainly not so. It is

not like they play a long ball game. That will be Italy's throw. Corluka

had a bit of a hamstring scare a space in midfield. A rather

awkward one for Paris edge. -- man first corner of the game. Pirlo is

the man who takes it. I think he is looking for Chellini to get across

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back, he suits the Prandelli's style. Jelavic is having quite a

tussle with Chellini. A great CERN, let's have a run across his body. -

- turn. We may see a fee yellow- card said, it is going to be tight.

Jelavic Jan and Mandzukic all have quite a tussle. Pletikosa, he is

now in Russia after not getting a a match in these European

Championships with empty seats in the stadium. Plenty of empty seats

dotted around. The atmosphere is a bit muted compared it to the

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Republic of Ireland match. That was a fluidity about Italy's passing.

Mario Ballotelli, it was pinpoint. What a shot! Claudio Marchisio.

Excellent play for Italy. Counter- attacking football. This was the

shot. I'm not sure. Excellent strike. He didn't shift the ball

far enough for me. Claudio Marchisio is one of the Juventus

contingent, sometimes called the New Marco Tardelli. That must be a

hard willing to live up to. -- lifted the spirits backing Croatia.

It is bizarre to me that Ballotelli is looking to getting beyond. He

has made quite a few straight runs. Corluka is not going to catch him

any time soon. I think he will be action after a minor stroke at the

back end of last year. It is great to see him recovering so quickly.

He only really came back in April. They are not likely to get a full

at all, close down quickly by to Rossi. -- closed it down quickly by

a de Rossi. Two Croatian players are on yellow cards, Luca Modric,

ball. Looking to get in behind, and use the pace against the centre

backs. Modric able to make the interception, Ivan Rakitic is away.

Chellini was swiftly across. Croatia are keen to get on with the

game, an urgency about them. Mandzukic was up well, Italy have

rather rapidly. Cassano wanted a played rather more quickly. It did

not quite fall for Marchisio there. It could easily have done so. Pirlo

their. He has just been promoted to the top division with his team in

Germany. He is being kept busy by the movement of Balotelli here.

Italy have been able to get their strikers involved straightaway but

a straight stop really, if he does not shifted. I could expect any

keeper to deal with that. Allied to start to the game from Mario

and he is waiting for blue shirt in reinforcements. I think he might

have won a corner there. In the end. I don't know if he looked a bit

nervous but he has excellent skill and it just falls over his own

three really. It was a bit of a slip but he recovers to get Italy a

corner out of it. He should be moving the ball and moving the

defender to try creates a space for from Jelavic. Nor was it for

Rakitic but that was a handball given against Thiago Motta. The

matches come thick and fast on the BBC here during this championship.

A reminder that coming up live tomorrow from 7pm his England's

next match. They play Sweden and you can watch it here live on BBC

here. Croatia for the last five years are not outside of FIFA's top

10 in the world ranking. How would we have had a little look there and

he gave it the other way. There was a coming together of their

Chiellini was involved. There was a little bit of a tumble. He was

dragged down to the ground and my first thought was that that was a

penalty. He was spun a little bit back he was dragged back. Key a

Fatima. It was an excellent ball to the near post and it was in.

guess you won't be surprised to know that in qualifying Italy and

the best defensive record in the whole tournament. They only

conceded two goals in all the matches of the qualifying process.

I wonder if de Rossi playing centre-back get caught out watching

a rusty was able to clean up. De Juventas. Some people felt his best

days were over but he has had a tremendous year. Yes, a decade with

AC Milan and then he moved to Juventas and they win the title. He

had a great season. He looked so laid back when he came into the

press conference last night. It would not surprise me if he had

nodded off he was so laid back. Perhaps he was just not excited by

the questions that were coming in. making the noise here in Poznan. A

free kick to Italy. A straight forward push. A necessary. Village

was criticising Ireland saying they can only play a one-day. Italy

played a different sort of game against Spain, they only had 34%

possession of the ball but those figures will be different so far

today. That was Maggio sliding in isn't it? Christian Maggio has had

It is obvious to me, just looking at it that they are trying to get

Balotelli in behind. Midway through the first half and there is nothing

between these two so far. Not much they did in the last World Cup when

they went out in the first round as the defending champions? I remember

commentating against -- on the match against Slovakia when they

went out. They were beaten 3-2 on the day. They recovered well and

performed impressively in qualifying, certainly in terms of

the results. The group was then play-offs, beating Turkey. They

finished second in their qualifying again who is very far forward on

this side. Excellent run on the far post. Maggio is moving the ball

around. Croatia are gradually coming back into it but with

Jelavic and Mandzukic up front they will always be in with an

opportunity. This is a nice stadium. The Municipal Stadium holds 40,000.

Is that the first round in polenta be redeveloped ahead of this

he just gives an honest challenge their and he might have headed that

bought out of play. That is what really frustrates the coaches and

long-term coming back and the team after the failure to qualify it for

the last World Cup finals. Croatia first time and that is why he has

to run and make this challenge like this. Giaccherini's presence in

this squad is quite a story. He lost -- he watched the last

championship on television as a 4th division player in Italy and this

is his second cap here. This is the highest stage of the European game

be a corner. The scrap going on in the middle of the penalty area,

Howard Webb had a good eye on it. Buffon. The delivery towards him

was not the best. Prandelli, the that every challenge they make is

replays, there was quite an annihilated at -- animated

conversation. That fell kindly for on trying to play in. This was the

holding a pulling that we were talking about. You see it going on

all the time. How would wear... They're just laughing. They are

both at it and they are both holding each other's arms and

car -- Antonio Cassano but he could not quite set up Marchisio.

Excellent play. The talk about the lack of pace but Cassano there was

exposing of. A new lease of life in the Italian international side for

Cassano. He was ignored by the previous coach. He has a reputation

for not being the easiest player for -- the easiest player to deal

with. There he has. He should have parted on a first touch. Balotelli

was square. He took another one and Mandzukic. Buffon only lasted 45

minutes at the last World Cup. He too has enjoyed a title-winning

season in Italy. He stayed with Juventus when they went down. They

are now back at the top of the pile. He has beaten Dino Zoff's record of

cheer. They have plenty to play for in their final match. Mandzukic

looked for Jelavic. We are still waiting our first goal of the match

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Balotelli let it run and has a free yellow-card. Mark is the air with

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Cassano's shot was wide. Cassano was taking the shooting opportunity,

that was onside. Worth a go. Cassano played well in the first

game, he has looked lively as well today. Italy will only ahead for

three minutes against the world champions before fabric gas

looks like it's blocked off. It has balance out a bit more, Croatia are

pressing a bit more in midfield. They are not allowing Italy as much

possession., Croatia have a very good record against Italy, they

have one of three of the last five meetings since their independence.

They have not played each other for six years now. A mixed up in the

Croatian defence. -- next up. Howard Webb has blown there.

thought that was Corluka involved there. I am not too sure the

referee got that right. He is very quick to check the play is OK.

is a poor decision. -- player. You can see highlights of this

match and the island verses Spain match tonight at 10:35pm. --

mouth. They looked like Mandzukic will know he has been in a game.

have to settle for the throw-in. If Croatia are to do well, you sense

that Modric will have to sparkle. They are not in the world's top 10

for no reason. They play good football. This is good movement. A

lovely play, a great save! You don't want to concede possession to

Pirlo. Free kick to Italy. thought we were going to see the

opening goal there. Excellent ball, a lovely touch. He gets himself in

a good position. A great save. is an excellent save by Pletikosa.

Lovely skills, and tight control in the 18-yard box. He just wanted to

chip that one over the goalkeeper. So near, yet so far. Italy are

still on the front third as we head into the latter stages of this

metronomes cause. A superb, precise finish. -- metronome scores. That

is how you take a free kick, Italy 1-0 Croatia. That is his tenth goal

for his country, he won't score a better one. Sometimes you have to

give credit to the taker. The goalkeeper has a good position,

superb pace on it, it is dipping. That is one thing we did not see

two years ago at the World Cup, we The statistic that matters is the

scoreline. They are 1-0 in front in Poznan. There is some after is

going on there. -- afters. It is a great strike, Pletikosa sees it,

but can't deal with it. Prandelli is looking very sharp in his suit,

on the touchline. Away by Giaccherini. That is the joy of

having a midfielder in a defence, he does not panic, he just passes

that for a pass? Not a bad cross by Giaccherini. There is a conference

about Italy here, the way they are approaching this. They always seem

to play well when they have a large amount of problems at home,

corruption allegations, they are up against it, similar to the World

Cup in Germany. Maybe they will surprise a few people here in this

tournament? Croatia looked devoid of ideas. They are looking for

Modric to get involved in the game. Three minutes to go in the first

half. That was not far way from Cassano. Cassano was a riding, they

need she was also arriving. -- Cassano was arriving. Panucci was

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here. This is the longest they have kept the ball four. If they get

their full-backs forward, it pushes Italy into way back five. -- eight

back five. Italy have been untroubled in this first half.

Strinic has done well to get to the byline on a couple of occasions,

other than that Italy have been fine. They are winning the midfield

battle. Pirlo has far too much space, they need to get close to

him. They need to stop him having far side. He is staying out of far-

of added time at the end of this first half, will end with

fireworks? No. Good counter- attacking football for creation

there. -- Croatia there. They are chasing the ball, aren't they? They

have not been in possession long enough. Italy are dominating

territory. They just need to press more all over the picture. They are

allowing it to a comfortable possession. A Yes, if this was a

boxing match you would say that Italy are certainly holding the

centre of the ring. Well ahead in until half-time. So often the

history has told us that is all the Italians need in key matches.

Howard Webb has blown up the half- time whistle and Italy are pretty

impressive so far. A goal scored by a very classy player indeed. A free

kick from Antonio -- Pirlo. At half-time Italy lead by one goal to

kneel. Nil. Going into this game we had 12 matches with 32 goals. The

highest ratio of goals for a long time but for a while I thought we

would not get any today despite the fact it was very open. It was a

very good start from Italy. Also Croatia have played a good game but

-- Italy deserve this score. We have seen at Pirlo in good shape.

The Italians are controlling the game. Croatia are still as

dangerous. The two sides are still having a very good go. He it a very

good game. The two styles are a nice contrast to the game. Without

a doubt the Italians have shown a doubt the Italians have shown

more threat. They look like they have got more chances in the hearth

and they look like they are going to score a goal. They probably

deserve to edge it. They edged it with a terrific free kick. Yes, a

great free kick. I wondered where the goals were going to come from

but that was a piece of magic from Pirlo. That is a harder skill to do.

I don't have there was any blame with the goalkeeper. That was over

the goal -- over the wall and you just have to hold your hands up and

that is a great skill. He has done very well. It was a very good call.

The Italians defensively have been solid because the main threat from

Croatia was the front to but they have kept them quiet. We do not see

many teams playing three at the back nowadays. Did it surprise you

and how does it work so well for Italy? It surprises me because

Prandelli normally plays 4-4-2. The winning team in Italy played with

three defenders and Napoli also play with three defenders. Italy

are using a more and more. I think with the players he has done what

has happened in the last years in Italy, I think it is not a big

surprise. We have seen a lot of Balotelli during proceedings.

has been good to date. He has worked the flanks. He is making

decent movement and runs in it -- in behind. He looks sharp. The any

criticism you would have is that he has hazarded on a few times. On

that occasion he didn't, he got his shot of but his movement has been

great. A great first touch. That was the one that we thought they

could have been more conviction out could have been more conviction out

of. We thought he could have taken a shot a bit earlier. He has been

excellent and worked very well with Cassano. He has looked for that

Paul time and time again. That diagonal ball into him is on all

the time. He works the goalkeeper here. His performance has been

excellent. Also Cassano and Balotelli both like to come to the

ball. Cassano is always very active in creating spaces and

opportunities for the strikers. Hear this is a beautiful action

from Marchisio. Absolutely brilliant. Of fantastic. That

terrific stuff. At the same time Croatia have got a real threat

about them. They are dangerous. It's not over yet. You can see

exactly what their game plan is. It is to get the ball in at every

opportunity. A set-up of there. They showed directly that they

wanted to close on the Italians. They are not afraid to do that.

This was saying we are here to play the game with you and the striker

was helping the defence and he was not at all involved in the defence

but moving on to the same side of the ball. This is their game plan.

It is because of the two guys there and in every opportunity they get

the ball in and they try for a penalty. He has got a great shout

for a penalty in there. Srna, his first thought is to get the ball in.

This one here, that is your position their way you used to play.

No one in front of the goalkeeper. For me they are balls left. If he

gets there then he has a little tap in the and there was no one in that

area, if someone is standing there he has a free effort on goal.

two strikers up front for Croatia, there is a chance of a goal there.

It is like in your Newcastle side. Yes, they are working the midfield

player well. He is a quality player. He keeps escaping the striker which

she will suffer if you play two strikers. In this game and the

second half, Croatia could nick a goal. A lot of teams have come back

well in this tournament so far. We shall save. Thanks to this football

programme the early evening news programme will be one hour later a

soap George Allen Gaia will tell us more.

I'll be here at 7pm. Country suppers, phone calls and texts,

David Cameron it tells the Leveson Inquiry about his friendship with

Rebekah Brooks and says she had no influence on policy. There was no

deal for support, there was no covert Nield, there were no nods

and winks. Welcome back. In just over 24 hours

England play their second game That is sick. Let us get the latest

from the England Roadshow. Hello, welcome to the fabulous a Olympic

Stadium here in Kiev where England will play their second match

against Sweden tomorrow evening. The players should find the

temperature more to their liking. Earlier in the week it was up to

the mid-thirties and here it is more like 24 degrees. The game will

be a bit later as well. There will be 18,000 Swedish band at the game

compared to England having about 5,000 fans. The numbers, along with

that of the yellow and blue seats may make it feel like a swidden

home game. We heard from Roy Hodgson and Steven Gerrard earlier.

We haven't decided on the team yet of course. We have a training

session tonight and that will be important in my decision-making. I

was happy with the start and I thought we played well against the

French. Certain aspects of our game were good and we must maintain that.

If we are going to win matches we have got to continue to work hard

on the attacking side of our game and we must make certain that when

we get good counter-attacking opportunities that we maximise them

and take advantage to the full. Sweden are a good and strong team.

They are not France. I think we can be a little bit more bald and more

ambitious and get at them a bit more. We are confident that if we

reach the same level of performance them we could have a victory. That

is not to say we will not learn from the mistakes we made in the

first game. We have analysed what we did right and what we did wrong

against France and we will try to improve on that performance. Scott

Parker said after the match that England showed a lot of heart and

commitment but questioned whether that sort of commitment and courage

actually wins you tournaments, how far can it take you? I am surprised

that's what Bach -- Scott Parker questioned how far it would take us.

I can understand that he said we showed heart and commitment that I

would have thought he would say that in a positive way and not in

the way that you are flaunting it as being slightly negative. There

is no doubt that all tournaments are won by teams that are very well

organised, very much together, very committed to the cause and we have

seen many times in the past where teams have not been at all fancied

at the start of the tournament have used these qualities, not only to

go far, but also to win the tournament. I would like to think

out what he is saying is something very positive as far as we are

concerned and I am delighted to hear that the players I am working

with share my desire for the team to show those qualities. When you

were appointed England manager, you said that you and Harry Redknapp

had unwittingly become rivals but Easter remain friends, what is your

reaction to the news that he has left Tottenham? I was very sad to

hear the news and I texted him this afternoon but I do not expect a

reply because I imagine he will be snowed under with sympathetic

messages. It came as a major surprise to me and I am

disappointed for him. I can only miss him all the best and hope the

next job that he wants comes along very soon and he will be happy in

that job. I am not in a position to comment on the decision that Spurs

have made and I am at not able to speak to hurry to find out how he

feels about it. Let us talk about England first. What did you make of

the opening game? I think has been generally reported as a good solid

performance. What did you think? think looking at the game, we did

lack a bit of ambition. A thing that is understandable, it is the

first competitive game and if you are a coach you want to get

something out of the game, which you did. I think you'll be

surprised, you can almost hear it in the interviews, that the message

has got to them that we want a bit more flair and we want something to

get us off the edge of our feet. They get through to the manager and

the players and I hope to see that tomorrow against Sweden who were

always difficult for us. Would you make any significant changes in the

style or the individuals? I would certainly play two strikers

tomorrow. I might put young on the side. In Roisin to view their he

actually mentioned that when we get the chance to counter-attack, that

suggests that he might go with exactly the same and try and hit

them on the break. We need to be more positive because I think we

only had one effort on target the other night. Sweden are so, so

difficult to play against. They always are. For us we are going to

need to control the game. The counter attacking statement was a

little bit concerning their to me. Can I get a bit about Harry

Redknapp? What were your thoughts? You have got to hats on. Way while

the manager of the football club: He can't have done any more. He has

done a magnificent job. If you are the owner and you want to take the

club to a different direction and you want to change the manager, no

one is party to that reason. that a job that could tempt you?

Would you be tempted? No, Newcastle has gone terrifically well. We have

got such a great young side and I hope we will keep it all together

for next year and have another go at it. One other question, I've

been overwhelmed with tweeds or asking may to ask you if it his

play is going to Turkey. I have no idea. Speaking of England, the

Olympic flame has crossed the border and is heading for St James'

Park tomorrow. These were the scenes in Berwick-upon-Tweed as the

Olympics moves ever closer. It is on its way to Newcastle. Were

either of you were asked to carry the torch? I was asked to carry it

but I will be working, watching England tomorrow. I was asked to

make the tea but I came here. great to see it in the North-East

because there was a real feeling for sport up there. They love it.

Cloud, the second half, Italy look for a -- lead by one goal to 0 and

it always opens up when there is a Woman we have Croatia, they won't

change the things up, they will wait for their chance. Looks like

they are ready to kick ass, let's rejoin our commentary team. -- kick

rejoin our commentary team. -- kick off.

The players have been out for a few minutes, but we are still 45

seconds away to the second half according to the official count

down. Croatia have not lost a group game since 2004 against England. I

think Italy have looked very comfortable so far. They may go up

another gear. They may look to putting some crosses for the

strikers. We are now under way. I wonder what Slaven Bilic's message

was at half-time? They looked so confident against the Republic of

Ireland, they enjoyed possession Modric had the ball, Perisic was

involved, they have a big influence on the game. You needed to get the

ball into the strikers. They had such a great start to each half

against the Republic of Ireland. A goals at the start of both parts. -

spark to prise open the defence. Here is Luka Modric, who fun had

about -- Buffon have about half-an- hour to wait for that ball.

never really got hold of the ball. A looks to me as if they are

pressing higher up the park. It is just 14 degrees here, it was

pouring with rain all morning, clearing up by lunchtime. There is

no roof on the stadium, unlike Warsaw. Oh, dear. There is minimal

contact. Where is the contact? Dear, dear. He treads on his third. --

foot. Here's Antonio Cassano. Italy are looking to spread the play.

Balotelli is in the centre. Cassano was looking at Howard Webb. Here

come Croatia. Good running by Modric. Modric goes for glory!

good start to the second half for Croatia. Good counter-attacking

football. A little bit of movement. That was a better shot than the

first one he had a few minutes ago. Modric is just standing off the

front two. He has moved forward. He is playing just behind the front

two. Mandzukic has gone right, Jelavic is still in the middle.

Perisic is on the left. Croatia is a conveyor belt of talent. There

are so many talented players coming challenge coming in at. Balotelli

does well there, he checked back in to get the ball. The deflection

means that is a corner. Good closing down by Perisic. It is the

5th corner of the game for Italy. Prandelli's team likes to get

forward as much as possible, it is Giaccherini. He was not quite sure

what to do. A little bit of holding going on, as always. The referee

does not do anything about it, that is a source of frustration. Rakitic

not get anything from the referee against Chiellini. Chiellini just

waited, he does not jump. He is one of those players that offers real

solidity, an old school defender. He has some defending to do here.

good turn from Chilavert. -- Jelavic. Croatia's second corner in

the match. Quite a tussle in the penalty area. The referee is

dealing with it. It happens in the Premier League as well. If they

blew for a penalty, that would stop a bad ball, a drop by the -- it

goes past the far post, Mandzukic does not attack it. It is not just

Howard Webb a referee in this game from England, he has a whole

English team with him, in terms of officials. That is offside against

the ball. He has been a vital component of the team this

afternoon. A firecracker landed on the field on the far side. It was

from the Croatian fans. We get surge coming into the stadium, that

is poor. Two of the Croatian players have gone across, and said

to the fans, what are you doing? with the match. The smoke is slowly

clearing. That is Ivan Strinic, another corner. They closed that

ball down quickly. Better from Croatia, they are pushing it to the

back. Here we go again. Jelavic she is involved again, a yellow card. I

am sure it is Thiago Motta who has been booked. That was all rather

messy. It is like a wrestling match out there. It is a goal-kick.

is all very untidy. Motta got sent off very early in a big Champions

League match against Barcelona, three years ago. He now plays in

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds

lot more pressure, closing quicker. had in the first half. Slaven Bilic

is not too happy with the time- back in the game in this second

half. Italy have won the midfield battle in the first half, there was

not enough pressure on the ball. Croatia have addressed it. This is

more like it from Croatia. The two forwards are there, Chiellini was

in the right place at the right time. De Rossi crumples to the

floor, a collision off the ball, that has left one of the Italians

looking less than comfortable. It is Thiago Motta. The whistle had

gone from the first challenge. went for the ball, it looks like he

in the middle of the back. And an elbow to the head. There is a bit

of history between the Darius Turner and Italian football.

Rossi punched him and got their three Munch band -- three-month ban.

They left him out of the internationals. It is a delay to

the game and it has broken up the rhythm. Croatia started better in

the second half and they had been able to push Italy backwards. They

did not at all in the first half. They had more procession. Darijo

Srna was getting forward a bit more. Mandzukic has come out to right

hand side and Modric is trying to make it three out there. They can

put the Italian defence under Balotelli. It does not touch

anybody. It is better from him. wasn't quite as close as I thought

when we saw the replay but a decent England's next match live on the

BBC from 7pm tomorrow. Sweden and promising for a moment. Cassano was

to the left and Balotelli to the right. Handball by Modric, surely.

We are going to see a substitution. Montolivo was going to come on and

now, Thiago Motta comes off. Do you think that is a Wiese bit of

management from Prandelli or with him having been a tussle in there

last a few minutes. May be. Maybe he is feeling and not to the head

as well. He was lucky to get away with that, wasn't he? He was lucky

not to be spoken to about it. not sure what Iraq can do because

he had already blown for the free dispatching the ball. We are inside

the last half-hour here. Still just the one goal in the game. That look

like a foul to me. Jelavic is looking very frustrated with Howard

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds

quickly, when it goes up for a throw-in they are not standing

around waiting. 20 minutes into the their against Modric. That is the

second time he has a given and handball in the last few minutes.

Howard Webb gave him the benefit of the doubt. He is that sprawl

stretching and it just caught him who got the biggest game of the

Mall a couple of years ago. It turned into a tough job for him,

that World Cup final. It did not help him with a those two teams

there. Holland were very disappointed. They kept a few on

the pitch that some -- that probably shouldn't have been on

there. That was too long for change. You can see Danijel Pranjic

are the corner of your screen just having a little stretch and waiting

moment the game is fragmented and it is up to Croatia to get that

goal. A have not had a dominant spell in the second half. They are

still not making that change at the moment. Planet will have to wait. -

change. Ivan Perisic is the man who is going off. Danijel Pranjic is

the man who will win his cap. He plays for Bayern Munich. He is an

attacking me to -- and attacking left-back. He has lost his team --

he has lost his place at Bayern Munich and his place in the

starting 11 as a result but he is experienced. He is into the fray.

How come was that! As a coach you don't want to see that. You have to

be attacking a second ball. You have to anticipate if the ball gets

missed at the near post. That is a foul. A free kick to Italy. Just

past the midway point of this second half. Still it is a tight

game between these two. You can Andrea Pirlo. The game needs a bit

of a lift, doesn't it? His free kick was the only goal we have seen

today. There is going to be a change now as well. For the second

match running at Mario Balotelli is being replaced, having started the

match. It worked for Italy last time. He is being replaced with

Antonio di Natale. He came on to score a goal against Spain.

looks very disappointed. He has had a couple of decency shots and he

has played quite well. He looked to get in behind. He makes way for the

goalscorer. It was a familiar look from him as he left the field. Di

Natale is the leading scorer in Serie A for the last two seasons.

He has got better as he got older. He has got 20 goals in the last

side of midfield. He has just come on. He is playing in front of

substitutes. He thinks the players coming into the game more and more.

They have a couple of opportunities. into the left-back position. --

1-1. That is his third goal of the tournament already. You sensed a

goal might have been coming. I just said that they were not out of

their. It was a mistake from Chiellini and a far poorer post --

-- at the far post. Italy need to be careful. Mario Mandzukic. Right

in the middle of the screen here, this is on site this ball, they

jumped by a Chiellini and he misses the ball and completely mistimed a

pull for -- completely mistimed it. A good touch into his path. There

you go. 1-1. The goalkeeper in the second half against Ireland and

just the touch against the post this time. Third goal of the

tournament for Mario Mandzukic. Another minor delay for the

presence of firecrackers on the field. The Italians are ready to

get searched a we have to go through machines. They have been at

every game so far. A we were wondering about that Russian flag

the other night as well, how did back getting? You would need big

trousers to hide that fact in your pocket. Game on! Modric. Croatia

more than we can. I think Buffon is saying to the referee that he

cannot see. They will just have to wait for this smote two left. That

is smoke from the flair. The flares are coming from the Croatian end.

He has looked really useful. I had been impressed by the movement of

the two strikers from Croatia. It was a lovely touch. He keeps his

eye on the ball and it drops right second half. They have pressed

Italy, got for a better, they have tinkered with the formation. -- got

forward better. A debate amongst the players, but finally we can get

going again. The smoke from that flair has jester pin doubt. -- has

just up gone away. Italy are not looking as assured as in the first

half. Modric is increasingly influential. Just offside. A the

Italian players are talking and arguing which other, they have just

lost their rhythm. -- with each goalscorer. Croatia are working

harder now. They are all back behind the ball. There is all to

play for between these two sides. Pletikosa took no chances with that

shot. They dominated the first half, and a reduced to just a couple of

efforts in this one. A decent effort from Ricardo Montolivo. The

highlight was that a double save is good passing movement, the run

was fractionally late. Just running off the shoulder of the defender.

They looked at ease in the first half, it looks like they could go

up another gear. We were saying it wasn't the same Croatia team as

against the Republic of Ireland. They made a perfect start against

the Republic of Ireland, it gave them confidence. They played with a

real swagger, they were worthy winners. It comes with scoring

goals. Don't forget, we have highlights at 11:35pm, featuring

this game, and the Republic of Ireland's second match against

Spain, being played in the Gdansk. I wonder what Slaven Bilic is

discussing? I am not sure if that is a fan ball, or a real one.

Someone has got a souvenir, they lovely touch from the keeper

Dalavich -- Nikica Jelavic. All of a sudden, Croatia looked the better

team. It is based on rhythm, Italy have lost theirs. They are not

keeping the ball as well, they do not look a threat. A yellow card

note that today. -- Italian it to go into the notebook. The Croatian

fans are having a whale of a time behind Buffon. They sense they

could be their day, they could book their place in the last eight. If

Croatia can find a winner they will hurry, there is no urgency. -- the

look in any hurry. We have not seen anything of Italy as the attacking

force for a while now. Eduardo is preparing to come on for Croatia.

Look at the space for Mandzukic. He has space, Jelavic could not quite

find his strike partner with the return. They look the more likely

team to score. They have up to their game, and Italy cannot match

them at the moment. -- upped. Italy are going to make a change. Eduardo

is going to come on for the second match running. Italy will shortly

make another change as well. Pranjic thought he was away on the

right hand side. Nikica Jelavic is coming off, replaced by Eduardo. He

could not score today after finding the net in the opening game. The

former Arsenal striker, Eduardo, Croatia's second highest score of

all time, behind the Davor Suker, he comes on. -- scorer. Sebastian

Giovinco is coming on for Italy, he struggled at Juventus, that has

really blossomed that Parma. They the fact it is a cool day in Poland.

14 degrees in Poznan, 37,096 in the exasperated. He want to be played

Nearly a first touch for Eduardo. He only got one minute in the last

game, a few more this time. Sebastian Giovinco was clearly

edged out there, that is a key a yellow card. Got taken down the

outside. I think he knew he was done for pace. He knows he can't

match his pace. Inside the last was silly. Surprising to see him

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds

still time. They have been so many fouls this second half, the game

has lacked rhythm. Croatia don't care, they are backing it. Croatia

would love to get a win there here. That would take the pressure off in

their game against Spain. I think that is a Croatia pro. It is off

the Italian defender. He had the opportunity to clear the ball. He

didn't. Maybe Gianluigi Buffon's Daniele de Rossi. Offside against

Antonio di Natale. Italy would not be too unhappy with a., they have

the Republic of Ireland in the next match. Strinic, not close. He has a

good left third, a couple of good crosses in the first half, an

on the Schildenfeld's shorts there. A finger centre-back has enjoyed

him coming on. He has tested him a couple of times. He is lively,

one. A real up and under old-style five minutes of added time. That is

bit there. It was hurried from the full-back. Italy have not really

carried much of a threat in this against Spain and you would have

thought they would look to win this game here, Italy, going into that

last game with the Republic. They were sailing along quite nicely at

half-time. They struggled to impose themselves in the same manner in

shooting opportunity missed. -- a everything he can handle that he

has the last word. The players thought that was a foul of there.

Mandzukic is down. It looked like a over Chiellini. I think it is on

this challenge on the touch. It is challenge. Oh, not given! I thought

Howard Webb had given that. Mandzukic is not looking terribly

five at the end of this game. All square at 1-1 here. It is the

Republic of Ireland and Spain are playing later on in Gdansk. Spain

face Croatia in their final match on Monday. Italy are back here for

the Ireland game. Mandzukic is still feeling the effects of that

challenge from Chiellini at the other end of the field a few

minutes ago. It was a robust challenge, wasn't it? The last

thing Croatia want is him injured. He has been their star man up front

a free kick. Kranjcar is preparing to come on. He came off the bench

in the first game and got himself booked. He was nonetheless the top

scorer for Croatia in the qualifiers. He scored four goals.

Croatian fans will have their fingers crossed there is no serious

damage for Mariya Mandzukic. He is leaving the field. It is the last

few minutes of added time. Cringed a's father used to be the national

typical efforts. That was poor, if the touchline off the pitch. He has

got off the stretcher but he is limping quite heavily. I wonder

whether he may be a doubt for the No free kick given for the

challenge on the energy. They could be a chance for a late winner here

but they cannot find the past. Kranjcar just slipped the ball and

Howard Webb has blown the final whistle. The Honours are even. A

stalemate. A promising start from Italy. They looked comfortable at

half-time but they could not hold on at the second half. Mario

Mandzukic got his third gold of the tournament and equalised for

Croatia who improved in the second period. A point apiece and a goal

Croatia stay top of Group C, two points clear of Italy who remain

without a win this calendar year. Spain will leapfrog them if they

beat Ireland tonight. Italy will have to defeat the Irish to have a

chance of reaching the quarter- finals. Both for the final games

from this group will be light on the BBC. It is remarkable how many

games we have seen one side lead and the other side come back to the

second half. You must give tremendous credit to the Croatian

coach because I think he got his tactics absolutely spot on. Or he

did in the second half was to push the two forwards further wide and

put Modric further forward and changed it to 4-3-3 and it worked

for them and they looked a lot more dangerous in the second half. They

could have won the game but they were too good sides. A yes, some

decent goals. The first one came to Italy. Pirlo just before half-time.

There were doubts whether it should be a free kick. Not much going on

there, what do we think? I think it was a free kick. He put his arms

around him. It doesn't take much these days to get a free kick.

the margins are so small. That ball when between two Croatian head and

went right in that. That is the first direct free kick scored in

these Championship finals since 2004. The last one was the Czech

Republic. He it was worth waiting for. They have definitely got more

control over the ball this tournament. The free kicks have

been closer. It was farcical at times in the World Cup. Crosses are

always a threat. He said at half- time... They scored against Ireland

Esso's Strinic, a great ball in. You can see their ideas. When there

are two big guys in, their first thought has to be can we get the

ball in the box at the first opportunity? Try and get on the end

of it and they did exactly the same in the second half. This was a

great run from Vukojevic. I was screaming at him to hit it first

time and I was surprised he didn't that he took a touch and it was an

excellent village. It was no more than Croatia deserve because they

pushed and probed. They always looked threatening. That was a goal

that they deserved. Clarence? Absolutely. At the end of the first

half I said not to forget Croatia are a good team. The changes made a

difference for them. Very impressed with them. Disappointing for Italy

because during the game you saw that they were just lying back and

waiting. It is what they do, they get one high they used to hang on.

That has changed. A very good side is going to go missing from this

group. A for sure. Those two sides there would be comfortable

finalists in another group of one is going to go home because one of

-- because Spain is going to go through. That was a good game today.

A good tactical game and the players. A tough day for Howard

Webb. He had a tough World Cup final and a tough day to -- a tough

game today. I think that is a very good shout for a penalty there

which she gave the other way. You can see this goes on all the time,

John Bercow was pulling Balotelli and not allowing him to jump. The

ball was not in play but how would chose to give the. And eight Thiago

Motta a yellow card. Daria Srna got his own back there. Jagger Motta is

the man of the match, a Guy to play against. Around about this time

tomorrow I hope you will be joining us for England versus Sweden. We

will need plenty of heart. You are the last line of defence. You want

the war. Through you are none shall pass. You will take crosses, you

will stop shots, you will command your area. You are the wall or that

Our coverage begins at 7pm on BBC One. You can catch the highlights

of both games tonight on BBC One at 11:35pm. Spain will play Ireland

and there is Trapattoni preparing. A very big night for him. It will

be a tough task for his team, playing against Spain. Diary starts

instead of Fabregas. Spain looked a better team when he came on. Allen,

did you enjoy the game? It has been a terrific game. You have got to

earn your crust as a manager and Bilic did that tonight. They have a

real chance of qualifying. Absolutely. Even the Spanish have