Czech Republic v Croatia Match of the Day Live

# Je revois la ville en fete et en delire

# Suffoquant sous le soleil et sous la joie

# Et j'entends dans la musique les cris, les rires

# Qui eclatent et rebondissent autour de moi

# Emportes par la foule qui nous traine

# Nous entraine # L'un contre l'autre

# Emportes par la foule qui nous traine

# Nous entraine # L'un contre l'autre

# Et perdue parmi ces gens qui me bousculent

We have a very good team. Great players.

COMMENTATOR: Attacking intent shown by Croatia. Luka Modric is doing a

lot for the team. He dictates games, he ensures the pace and quickens it

up when he wants to. You can give him the ball any time, anywhere, no

matter who's around him, you give him the ball because he has got five

outs. Everything step-by-step. He can give it you back, go by you,

flick it around the corner. His brain is just constantly thinking.

He is so clever. The orchestrator in chief does the job! Incredible

volley, great technique. Coming out of the sky like that. Beautiful.

Czech Republic, perennial qualifiers, quarterfinalists four

years ago. STUDIO

Hello, let's hope it's not stalemate this afternoon, as one of the dark

horses for the tournament, Croatia, take on one of the dark horses for

the tournament, Czech Republic, in Saint Etienne. We've got a night, a

king and a pawn for you, I will leave it to you to decide which

which! Let's bring you up-to-date with what has been happening today.

Already one game in Group B, Italy and Sweden. The game was won by a

late goal by Eder, and what a cracking goal it was. Many late

goals in this tournament, 30% of them scored after the 80th minute so

far, quite remarkable. Italy have qualified for the last 16 with that

win. Sweden remain on one point alongside the Republic of Ireland,

who are in action against Belgium tomorrow. Back to today's meeting,

the first competitive match between the two countries. This stadium is

known affectionately as the green cauldron, or its atmosphere. A

capacity of 41,000, so the fans will be sure to keep things lively.

Croatia's opening win courtesy of Luka Modric and Gerard Pique got the

late winner for Spain against the Czech Republic. A lot of talk about

Croatia, a lot of people fancy them in the tournament because they've

got some really good players. They do will stop they have a good team.

They've been together for a little while now. Experienced. In midfield

you have Modric and Rakitic and a goal-scorer like Mandzukic, that has

not appeared yet in the tournament but you know he can score you goals.

When you have a guy like we see now on the screen controlling the

midfield... People always talk about Modric when he is on the ball but he

can also stop the play of another team. What he does well is when he

is on the ball he can see things that not a lot of other players can

seat. He always wants to pass the ball forward and he's always aware.

Look at this. I don't even see him looking at Serna, but he knows

exactly what Serna is going to do. Here, that was a time when they

needed to lose a bit of time, so he controls the pace of the game. He's

looking at it and trying to lose time. That ball fell from the moon!

I don't even know how, I don't know how he did that. That was an

outstanding goal. I think it also helps that he has a player like

Rakitic with him as well, because he's on his level. The fact that

people don't mention Xavi is any more, but the pair of them together

are so powerful. It always helps having more than one good player in

midfield. I think maybe Modric has outside a Schumacher outshines some

of the other players like Serna and you mentioned Rakitic, but Mandzukic

as well. The work rate he is putting in for the team... Rakitic is

another important player, if he manages to score enough goals for

this team, this is a release from team. They will be dangerous. You

both mentioned Srna, he has had a tough week or so losing his father.

I've been through it, it's not a nice time. He's been back for the

funeral and come back to play today, which I think is a measure of the

man. He's played 130 times. They will be pleased to have him back

because he's a good footballer and he's a leader. His quality going

forward absolutely exceptional. We watch a lot of attacking full-backs

now laying and a lot of them are great getting forward but in the

final third they don't produce often enough. He's very calm, he's got

very good technique. Always seems to make the right choice when he gets

in these areas. For an older guy, his fitness levels, to continue to

get up and down... It looks simple but we've already seen in this

tournament is a lot of bad crosses and bad choices in that final third

and he is crucial to the way they play because he gives them that

width down the right-hand side, and you've got a full-back who can take

set plays as well! It's a good weapon for them to have. I'm really

pleased he's decided to come back and play after that turmoil. I've

been in a similar situation when I was playing for Hamburg and I lost

my mother, and I decided to play straight after the funeral and I

just have to say, it's the hardest game of your life. Emotionally

you're drained and you're coming with high hopes, thinking you might

be able to get away from it for a bit, but it will be interesting to

see how he copes with it, because it will be very tough for him today.

What do you make of the team -- the Czech team? I think the Czech

Republic, if they can build some stability into their own side, they

have got some options to go and break the Croatian team down, but

I'm a bit worried about their ability to get out and heard the

Croatian team. It's going to be important for Rosicky to be on his

day as well. You just mention Rosicky, someone you know very well,

Thierry? Very well, we were at Arsenal together and I played

against him so many times as well. They played against Spain, it's not

easy to play against Spain everything all time. He had to

defend of the time. But that's what he's going to have to do every time

against Croatia as well, try and go up with the line and support. That's

what he likes to do, give and go. He can do that too. He wants to control

the pace of the game and we all know he has that in his locker. Try to

control the tempo of the game. That's what he's going to try and

do, and he couldn't do it against Spain because at times he didn't

have the ball. Will he have the ball a bit more against Croatia? I don't

know, but you can see he was upset he didn't play a lot and he will

have to control it on the field if he can. The teams are about to go

out. COMMENTATOR: Thank you very much,

good afternoon everybody. Here they come. Croatia may be emerging out of

the tunnel and may be emerging as a real force in the game again. World

Cup finalists in France 98. If they win today, they are through to the

last 16. Czech Republic lost to Spain in Toulouse. They are feeling

the pressure. If they lose today, the best they can do is finish third

and hope that will be enough. Northern Ireland, the Republic and

Wales are among those sides hoping that the Czechs do lose, because

that might help their cause down the road. The stadium in sunshine, which

is lovely to see after the hailstones of Lyon yesterday

evening. First, the national anthem of Croatia.

# 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 Dravo, Savo teci Nit' ti Dunav silu gubi

# Dok mu mrtve grobak krije Dok mu zivo srce bije. #

# Kde domov muj? Kde domov muj?

Great support at both ends of the stadium. The Czech Republic,

quarterfinalists four years ago. The majority of their squad were around

in that tournament. Tomas Rosicky is the only man in this edition of the

European Championships who can say he also played in Euro 2000.

Gianluigi Buffon missed out in 2000 and he was injured. Iker Casillas

was left on Spain's bench and didn't get on the pitch.

Brighton's Skalak comes in. David Lasseter is the all-time top scorer

in the Czech league. Mark Clattenburg the referee. His second

game of this tournament. Croatia have won seven and drawn one of

their last eight games. Those are the eight games that ante package

has been in charge. No surprise they are unchained. Medran Corluka fine

after suffering a cut to the head against Turkey. The real splash of

genius, the ex-man amongst the mortals is of course Luka Modric. In

their last meeting, Croatia became the first nation ever to score four

goals against the Czechs. Kevin Kilbane alongside me. Lovely day and

this should be a high-quality, technical match. Contrast in

performances between the two sides in their opening fixtures. Croatia

were excellent going forwards. Against Spain, Czech Republic had to

contain a lot. I think we will see more from them going forward this

afternoon, the Czech Republic. I think we're in for a really good

game. Probably worth saying that that's the Czech Republic in white

and blue. -- all in white, and Croatia all in blue. We're so used

to seeing them in the red and white checks. Mark Clattenburg is checking

that everything is synchronised and everybody is happy, and it's the

Czech Republic who will get the game under way, kicking from right to

left in Saint Etienne. Group D. Czech Republic lost their opening

game and Croatia won there's. -- won theirs. Modric getting a touch.

Forward from Brozovic and they get the throw.

Bouchard Brozovic is another that really impressed in their opening

win. It clearance back to Petr Cech. And

an even poorer clearance back from him. A poor backpass. No real feel

on the past the goalkeeper. I felt for him with a camera stuffed in his

face during the anthem. He takes the corner. Petr Cech asked to treat

that carefully. Another corner, over the crossbar. Croatia on the front

foot. Mandzukic, he would not have expected that to go on. Under a

little bit of pressure. Read the church with this corner

kick. -- Rakitic. Mark Clattenburg wanting to settle everyone down

inside the penalty area. A nervous moment for the Czech Republic. They

are in trouble in this group if they lose today. The Croatian team

starting on the front foot. Rakitic in a good position again.

Mandzukic in the back. Not the worst ball played in from Rakitic.

Mandzukic, in that position, just go and attack. Get yourself lined up.

He was in a really good position. Just go and attack the ball. He

could have got a call in the six yard box. And that was the outcome.

You remember the goal he scored against the Republic of Ireland four

years ago. And one against Italy as well. That was almost the tournament

over for the Republic of Ireland after that game. A very tough group.

If the Republic got nothing out of that game, it was only going to get

harder, and that is the way it worked out.

Confident but unnecessary. He put Srna under pressure.

He felt that the ball had come off Krejci but the decision went the

other way. Pavel Vrba, the coach from the Czech Republic. In his late

70s now, his assistant, who was coach of the Czech Republic in 2004,

2006 and 2008. Vida let them run away dangerously. Slack defending

from Vida. And it is a foul by Brozovic. He did well, Sanaa. A good

challenge. Credit to him. Coming back to join the squad after the

week he has had. Tomas Rosicky is going to take this.

Not terribly well dealt with. Back to Subasic. Subasic with the early

clearance. Brozovic, struggling to control the ball. He invited the

challenge. He got a little lucky there, Brozovic. Good distribution

from super search in goal. -- Subasic. He did not quite get it

under control the way he would have liked.

Mark Clattenburg has just rejected a ball. It is actually the second one

already in this game that has been rejected. Third time lucky. Finally

Rakitic takes the free kick. Good delivery but Vida was not far

away from getting something on it. Strinic here now. A bit of space for

Darijo Srna. What a challenge from the reader. -- from Darida. You

think of just how many talented, diminutive attacking midfielders

Croatia has. Luka Modric plays in a deeper role. Many teams would not

have him in the Number Ten position. Kovacic cannot get into the side

either. The talented youngster. Rakitic again. There might be danger

here. A couple of efforts from Badelj in midfield. A lovely little

miniver. Mandzukic recognises he is out wide. Croatia have started

brightly. The Czech Republic with a man off

the pitch getting some treatment. That was Hubnik. The centre forward,

he might have had something in his eye.

Beating by Modric. A lovely manoeuvre by Rakitic. Brozovic.

Taken away well by Sivok. With Brozovic and Perisic outweighed,

they do not always wanted to come back inside for the striker. He

knows that the ball is going to be crossed early and he can make it

with his timing. Luka Modric, who spent those seasons at Tottenham and

Man City. Almost give it away there. Brozovic

again. A little too close to Petr Cech. The company was mentioning

just prior to the match about Luka Modric, his anticipation. He is able

to step in and make challenges. Great quality. Limbersky for the

Czech Republic. He has not really got into the game

at all yet, the Czech Republic. Not at all. A really good start for

Croatia. Just a continuation from that first game. Excellent

performance. Luka Modric dispossessed. A wayward ball. An

apology by the reader. -- Darida. He was caught out. Played in behind.

Just a simple pass. Rakitic. Mandzukic trying to stay

onside. He settles for what is a throw in the end.

That quarterfinal shoot out, Croatia against Turkey in 2008. A terrible

shoot out for Croatia. Darijo Srna was the only man to score his

penalty. Petr Cech away. Vida underneath it.

Limbersky. Pressure from Brozovic. Brozovic is disappointed. He

certainly hassle that. A slight clip at the end. Not able to get any sort

of contact, not able to make five or six passes like the Croatians are.

A yellow card from Mark Clattenburg early in the game, for jumping with

an arm raised. Darida went down. Badelj, just rising with it. Mark

Clattenburg was in a good position. There was contact. Certainly

surprised to see the card come out. But it is a free kick to the Czech

Republic. Driven towards Hubnik. Such a difficult header from that

range. So wide from the goal. It needs a lot of power generated to

get back towards the six yard box. Croatia look motivated. If they win

they are through to the last 16. And as their coach has described it, he

has promised them a good, old-fashioned night out if they get

through. I believe so. There were celebrations on the pitch after what

he said. Perisic will lead this throw-in. I would not mind playing

under him. From the old school. Subasic will be delighted in goal

for Croatia to finally get to a tournament. He played second fiddle

to Pletikosa for so long for his country. Pletikosa has finally hung

up his gloves. Darijo Srna with this throw in for

Croatia. Corluka again. That is a foul by Darijo Srna, and a free kick

to the Czech Republic. Corluka has to be careful as well, just like the

previous challenge, jumping with his arm. Brought down by Srna. Srna just

caught out of position. Lasseter goes towards the back post,

and Skalak jumped but did not make any contact with it. He's been

around a long time, hasn't he? Number 13 for the Czech Republic. A

definite problem with the balls here. Three or four times a ball has

been rejected for a throw in or a free kick. There is pressure on

every ball, they need to sort out the balls that the ball boys are

carrying around the side of the pitch. Good control, Mandzukic.

Taken away from Rakitic by Sivok. This is Jiri Skalak. That is a throw

into the Czech Republic. Better, from the Czech Republic. Good run by

Skalak. Played into a good area. It's just more positive, he can get

runners behind Croatia's defence. -- looking to get runners in behind

their defence. Czech Republic with the throw.

Brozovic, no foul on Hubnik. Mandzukic, to Rakitic. Luka Modric

now. Darijo Srna, Rakitic down the middle, Mandzukic forward too. This

is heritage. On the right-hand side for a few moments. Brozovic has gone

to the far side. When Modric does pick up the ball. Invariably he will

pick you out with the quality he has, Luka Modric. Strinic, back to

Brozovic. Mandzukic. Good play. Darijo Srna, Mandzukic has made a

run. The cross threatened to fine him. Corluka, Luka Modric. A little

deflection on that Srna Cross, just carried over Brozovic. Kept in by

Strinic. Petr Cech came and didn't get there, Mandzukic almost got

lucky. Queueing up at the back post, Perris itch, into the gloves of

Cech. Petr Cech gets the flight all wrong, gets away with it. It's the

next cross that comes in from Srna. If it is Srna getting forward from

right back, he does cross early. That is the defenders under so much

pressure. Hubnik, all the way away. Here is Tomas Rosicky, cut out by

Vida. A bit of a shout from the Czech

Republic fans as he went over, but nothing given, and its Mandzukic

with Perris itch to his right hand side, -- Perisic to his right hand

side, Perisic! Rakitic! Well, in the opening 20 minutes of this game,

Croatia have been by far the better side. Brilliant ball from Brozovic

to set Mandzukic awake and Perisic arriving, but outstanding play from

Croatia. So direct and compact. Brilliant challenge it was at the

end but what a break it was. I think he's just getting back into

position. Excellent counterattacking play. Free kick. Landed awkwardly on

his back, Perisic. It's been a feature that people have noticed,

obviously, late goals in this tournament, but also there hasn't

been an outstanding performance from what you would call a centre forward

as of yet, a Mandzukic kind of player. You're right. Mandzukic has

started well in this game. We haven't really seen a standout

centre forward performance with top-class goals of yet. Funnily

enough, Pelle and Eder have probably been as good as anyone, the two

Serie A said the forwards, Italy one of the two sides playing -- one of

the few sides playing two centre forwards. They are so good in

comfortable possession like this, Croatia. But they can counterattack

as well and they can go long into Mandzukic as well. Different options

to their game. That's why they're so exciting to watch. Badelj, at the

moment they are the more nimble physically and much quicker mentally

than Czech Republic. Corner kick conceded by Jaroslav Plasil. I like

that from Luka Modric. He knows Plasil is backing off into the area.

Continue with the run, don't hold back.

Two balls on the pitch at the moment.

Srna's throw. Rakitic underneath it. Brozovic to Strinic, back to

Brozovic. Skalak in front of him. Vida. It is the Czech fans you can

hear trying to lift their team, they need a lift.

Luka Modric. Modric, Rakitic. Three in the middle for Rakitic. Perris

itch was blocked. Brilliant from Modric. Lovely little pull-back when

he gets into the area. That is a decent ball. Corluka had

to make a challenge. Looked more of a foul than the other one on him but

wasn't given either. Corluka, from a defensive point of view, impressive.

Still only 30, Corluka, he seems to have been around forever. Rakitic,

lovely turn away from Plasil. Nicely done, Rakitic here. Hubnik

recovered well. Rakitic didn't feel the ball was going to come through

to him. Rakitic with an intricate pass, overran it a bit. Rakitic on

the corner, Srna has been leaving them a little short up to now.

Rakitic! He's done well. Very good recovery

from Tomas Rosicky, and it's a corner. Five corners already,

Croatia. Strinic is another one like Srna, he likes to get forward, real

talent from the left-back. Isil. So much debate on the England corner

taker but Croatia have five on their team.

Brozovic. Good punch, that, from Cech. Lots of distance.

Lovely ball, how about that for control from Brozovic?

Out by Limbersky, here is Srna. Seven corners, Croatia. Superb ball

from Vida to set Brozovic away. That's the trickery Brozovic has.

Darijo Srna takes, Cech flapped at it a bit, and Strinic. Write

underneath it. It wasn't comfortable for Cech, Strinic just can't quite

get over the strike. You feel as though it's only a matter of time

before this goal will actually come. He's been a busy man, Petr Cech.

Still no real effort on his goal up to now though, has there? He scored

against me in Split one night, against Ireland. Top player he was.

Former Arsenal player briefly. Now Mandzukic is down holding his

head. This is how he got it. Yeah, there's

no malice in it. The challenge with Sivok. They have got that

physicality, as a side. There probably was a little

pull. It's clever, he gets away with it.

Brozovic just losing control. Corluka, that's a very good ball.

Here is Rakitic, Perisic tried to get forward. Mandzukic could have

put that back into Rakitic and probably should have done. It was

great movement, though. Brilliant movement from Mandzukic. Nicely

played, Darijo Srna here. Out by Limbersky but Modric again.

I saw in doing some analysis of Romelu Lukaku's movement. You see

him pulling across, giving Rakitic an easier path to hit. -- I saw

Thierry Henry doing some analysis. They just keep coming back of the

Czech Republic. The only surprise is the scoreline.

Good control by Rosicky. A disappointing end to the domestic

season for him. His first in English football at Brighton. A poor ball.

You expect the player of his quality to hit that ball a lot better than

that. A little bit better, this. It away

by Strinic. Mr control. Highlights of the day's matches at 1125 PM.

Tomorrow, Iceland against Hungary, 4:30pm in the afternoon. And then

Portugal against Austria, following on at 7:30pm on BBC One. The Czech

Republic trying to get themselves into this game now. Limbersky and

Plasil once more. A telling pass. Not a difficult pass. Good movement

from Plasil but he is breaking down too easily.

Vida's header. Mandzukic. Hubnik has had his hands full.

Despite appearances, he is not the oldest man in the Czech Republic

side. Tomas Rosicky is older, as is Plasil. A little awkward bad. Skala

did well to get that in. -- Skalak did well. Better movement. Creating

a crossing chance for Skalak. Croatia warmed up for this

tournament with a home game against San Marino, which they won 10-1.

Mandzukic got a hat-trick. It doesn't always work in your favour,

picking a weak opponent before a tournament, but Spain decided to

finish off at home to Georgia and lost. I would say that I think San

Marino are weaker than Georgia. Difficult to draw any conclusions

from it. Croatia were looking at creating chances, scoring goals and

coming here against weaker opposition. That might have done

them no favours but the way they have started, full of confidence in

this tournament,... But they haven't scored yet! Petr Cech has had a

couple of uncomfortable moments but they have only really been from

crosses. The graphic showing nine attempts, but none that Petr Cech

would be feeling that he had ever had a real problem with. The problem

is they have just not created one telling chance. But I think it is

going to come. The quality is certainly there. Limbersky forward.

David Lafata to Darida. That was the intention. Mandzukic, back to

Rakitic. Perisic is arriving at the back post. The flag is up on the

near side. Whatever happens next will not count. Perisic made a great

run after the original 1-2. Perisic would have had a tap-in, but a great

manoeuvre from Croatia. You feel like they can put pace into the game

whenever they choose. Spot on. They can soak up pressure when necessary.

You feel as though the way that the Czech Republic get into this game is

when the full-backs come forward. Perisic. 1-0. To the surprise of

absolutely nobody. Croatia take the lead. And a very fine finish from

Ivan Perisic. It has been coming from most the very first whistle. --

from almost. Scored by Perisic but he will have a word of thanks to

Badelj, who won the ball with a brilliant tackle. It was Badelj

winning the challenge brilliantly. But the one thing I like about

Perisic, backing off into the area, he could have continued to drive but

he does not disappoint. A little step, getting it onto his left foot,

and he knows that it Petr Cech gets a foot on it, there are players

ready for the tap-in. I am a big admirer of Ivan Perisic. He is a top

player and that is a super girl. Croatia are momentarily down to ten

men because Corluka is off the pitch having his head looked at. That was

a challenge on David Lafata right in the penalty area. I think they got

away with one there. I am not sure he got too much on that. It is a

free kick certainly. It is outside the box. He does not see the run

from David Lafata coming in behind him. I think Clattenburg got that

wrong. Corluka is back on. Croatia leading. Certainly a fair reflection

of the way the game has gone. The Czech Republic will feel slightly

hard done by. Clattenburg's decision. If he does see it, he

would not have given a penalty, but he just misses it. Rosicky forward.

Limbersky. You can't help but liking the widening of Croatia. When they

do not have the ball, they make it difficult to play through. All the

way back to Hubnik. Mark Clattenburg wants to check on

Kaderabek. This was just fabulous. I love it when the wide men get into

position and drive the defenders. When you get into position, he goes

across Petr Cech, giving him no chance. Darijo Srna. Modric, over

the top of Tomas Rosicky. He stood in his way.

He knew precisely what he was doing there, Rosicky.

Rakitic into the box! A great ball. Too many cooks. Getting into each

other's way. Corluka is the man gets the final touch on it. But Vida just

gets in his way. Some sort of contact on it at the end. What a

chance to make its two. A good header from Corluka. Rakitic,

was he not fouled by Plasil? Taken quickly for Croatia. That is

the impressive thing about Croatia, when they lose the ball, how quickly

they filter back into position. So difficult for the Czech Republic to

playback through. They are comfortable on the ball but there is

no space for them to play. Very much on home soil, Plasil,

having spent most of his career in France. And that is a free kick this

time. David Lafata went down. The challenge came in from behind. He

has to be careful. Badelj has a yellow card already. That was a

little bit reckless. He was late. The yellow card was a bit soft, and

that was a bit less soft than the one he got the yellow card for. Once

you have been booked, I have heard it described as an amber. It is in

between. Rosicky is moving away from this. It

is going to be straight into the wall. The second shot, likewise.

Plasil, back to Rosicky. They might break here. Perisic is charging

downfield. It is a five-man counterattack. Darijo Srna tapes it

-- keeps it alive. Another brilliant run ahead of him from Perisic.

Movement off the ball. Brozovic, they break so quickly you would be

frightened to go forward. I got a funny feeling and Thierry Henry

might feel this up -- bring this up at half-time, but he might have

signed on the same day. I don't know why that has come into my head.

That is just not be from Corluka. Vida took his eye off the ball.

Through the middle here, Tomas Rosicky.

Czech Republic finishing the half reasonably strongly, but they've

been second best for almost all of it. Brozovic, to Rakitic.

As you said before, almost afraid to go forward that time. We've seen how

devastating Croatia are. Corluka, Modric.

It's a corner. That is brilliant from Srna. No time to take it, Mark

Clattenburg has blown his whistle and is getting some stick from

Croatian players and fans alike. Remember, was it Clive Thomas who

blew his whistle when the ball was about to go in for a corner in the

World Cup in the 1970s. Croatia are in front and deservedly so. Ivan

Basso with a high-quality goal and they are a high quality side. --

Ivan Perisic. At half-time in Saint Etienne, Czech Republic 0- one

Croatia. Well, only 1-0 at half-time but I've

just been handed a stats sheet of that first half and it makes

interesting reading so I'm going to share it. One goal, ten shots by

Croatia, four on target, three off target, from inside the box six,

outside, three. The Czech Republic, shots total, none. On target, none,

off target none, blocked shots, none, headers, none. Corners, none.

Very one-sided game, that digest. That's what we were scared about

four Czech Republic. If market -- Modric and Rakitic run the show and

you allow them to do what they can do, they going to hurt you. It's

just a matter of how many they get, isn't it? I've been impressed with

Croatia, good movement, nice free-flowing football. We were

talking about the lack of athleticism in the Czech Republic

team. They are unable to press with any tempo because they don't have

enough athletes in the team, they can't get up the pitch. I suppose

the only thing they can take heart from is that they've only conceded

one goal! Yes, very much so! CHUCKLES

But we said that they had to stand like a brick wall against this

Croatian team but for me, like Danny just said, they probably weren't as

mobile as a brick wall and that was the problem! You know, when you're

under pressure, you need that little energy to get out and it's just not

there and that's a problem. Croatia have bags of energy and pace,

including the goal-scorer, Perisic, who has been steaming up and down

the left-hand side. That's what he's been doing, breaking his neck for

his team. What I love is this, defending, going forward. They get

the ball back and he does a step over. What I love about that is

defending on the front foot, going forward while you are defending. It

goes overly leg of the defender and it's a goal. I don't think the

defender does too much wrong there. If anything, maybe Petr Cech needs

to know that he's got one angle covered and maybe assume it's going

to go in the other angle. They deserve to score. They were

threatening quite often during that first half, Danny. Perisic himself

nearly got on the end of some good play. Yes, they had lots of good

movements. They have the ability to build up on the counter with the

players they've got. Mandzukic with a good, and selfish run. He just

waits, perfect timing. He misses this by two inches, but the power of

the run by Perisic... He just starts behind the Czech Republic defender

and he gets there a milli second to late. They really put together some

good moves, easy on the eye, Croatia. When you say to someone

let's defend, the first thing they do usually is going front of their

goal. Croatia defender Lee high on the field with high pressure. I love

when teams do that. -- defend really high on the field. You want the ball

to be at high as possible from your goal and try to nick it from there.

I suppose as a defender there are pros and cons to it. If you defend

high, there is lots of space behind you. There's no pace up front for

the Czech Republic. The defence has not been tested yet. They did really

well against Turkey, though. They play like a big team and there's no

reason to believe that this team is going to crumble. The big test will

be Spain, the next game. For the Czech Republic to come back into

this game, I really don't know how they're going to do it. You

mentioned Perisic was quick to get into the right area, but it's not

like the full-back didn't make the run coming he saw it but he just

couldn't get there, and that is the problem. Rakitic, great bit of play

from him. He's impressed again. Rakitic has that awareness of where

everybody is. Look at that for a touch. He's got good athleticism. He

is quick and he looks and he goes inside and that's a decent save from

the keeper. The way they've been in the first half, it's looking like

they could go on to get three or four. There have been three or four

good moves like this and he's been instrumental. Is there a better

midfield pairing or midfield grouping in this tournament than

Croatia? Of course there is, Rooney, Dele Alli, Eric Dier! I would put

Spain's midfield in front of them because they know what they're doing

and they been doing it for a very long time. But I have to say I

wouldn't mind if I was on that field playing with Modric and Rakitic.

They are on the same page and their football IQ is second to none. This

guy is just too much. At one point he lost the ball and I nearly fell

off my chair! Long balls... 97% pass success. It's just too much. I love

the way he goes forward with it. He plays it... I mean, it's almost too

much at times. If you were throwing the ball with your hands you

couldn't be as precise as this guy is. It's fantastic. The 97% success,

that is great, but it is progressive. Not just easy sideways

passes. Mandzukic, not happened for him yet. Some good movement from him

but he needs to get in on the goal-scoring act if Croatia are

going to go all the way in this tournament. My opinion, really

quickly, is that I feel he knows it's not going for him. He knows

he's not getting the goals but what he puts in his workrate, he himself

and produces a tremendous amount of work rate for the team. Exactly the

same, he's unselfish. You want him to be a tiny bit more alert but he

will score again. The way those guys play together, he will score again

for sure. I love his unselfish and it's in terms of his running and the

way he moves inside the box also is very good. Defending champions Spain

played their second match later, against Turkey. Earlier, Italy, so

impressive against Belgium, took on Sweden in Toulouse. Commentator is

Guy Mowbray. COMMENTATOR: Now Ibrahimovic. That's

a great pass, potentially. John Guidetti! It is a blaze finish.

Larsson has his thumb in the air and he's absolutely right to. But the

skill of the match and be part of the match comes from Sweden's number

ten, of course it does. Ibrahimovic! Ibrahimovic is offside. The flag

went up straightaway. He knows that even if it hadn't counted, he really

ought to have poked it over the line and even. -- and in.

What a ball in that was from Emanuele Giaccherini. He read it and

moved away from his marker, Olsson, and he thought he had scored.

Knocked down to Eder by Zaza. Eder goes on! We have a winner! Yet

another late one at this championship. It is Chiellini with

the quick throw, Zaza with the knock-down, Eder with plenty to do

from there and he did every bit of it. Italy are all but into the last

16. Italy 1-0 Sweden. There is Linda -- Lindelof, Ibrahimovic. Sweden

appeal for a penalty but the referee is not interested. Sooner or later

at this championship, some team will get a penalty for that sort of foul

will stop Sweden will argue, why not us today? That leaves Group E

looking like this. Italy safely through to the last 16 with a game

to spare, following a second straight win. The Republic of

Ireland are in action against Belgium tomorrow. Our next live

football is tomorrow in Group F, Iceland versus Hungary at 4:30pm on

BBC One, followed by Portugal against Austria, two teams who

looked back to their best -- who were not at their best in the

opening matches. All three home nations sides are

taking it easy today with some light training and no media activities

after yesterday's action. For England's Jamie Vardy, he can

reflect on the journey he has taken, from non-league to Roy Hodgson's

saviour. We played a League Cup game at a

place called Wickers Lee... We had game but there was a young lad

playing for the opposition who caused my defenders more problems

than they have had all season. I managed to get a number for him and

contacted him, he came up with his dad. I showed him the setup here and

a couple of days later he rang me and said he would sign for us. Jamie

comes from Hillsborough, which is probably about five miles down the

road. He had been at Sheffield Wednesday and been released. I

thought when I first saw him come at his first touch was unbelievable.

The first time he got the ball hit killed it and ran past a defender

and you're suddenly thinking, he looks a decent player. He was the

best because he never looked back bag is left people alone, worked his

socks off for the team, and his pace was electric. He would go past

people dribbling with the ball at his feet, and his finishing, his

finishing was superb. I watch him score the goals now and

I've seen him score those type of goals when he was that stocks

bridge, so nothing surprises me what he's doing. He moved up very

comfortably and I think that's what he's done throughout his career. He

left ear and was the top scorer, he was at Halifax and their top scorer,

Fleetwood Town's top scorer and now he has finished up Leicester City's

top scorer. I never thought he would have finished where he has done,

winning the championship with Leicester and scoring for England,

that's even beyond what I thought he would do. He is a nice lad and he

deserves it for the work he's put in. He's obviously the most

successful ever to come from 's Oxbridge, he will be forever

remembered at this club. For the young lads coming through, it's nice

for them to have someone like that to look at and think they can do it.

Lots of people who been rejected at higher clubs did not believe they

were good enough to play at a higher level. I'm sitting in the Jamie

Vardy Stand, which is fantastic. COMMENTATOR: Cech came and didn't

get there. Perisic! Rakitic, Perisic arriving at the back, Rakitic goes

alone! Perisic! 1-0. To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Croatia take

the lead. Croatia lead at half-time. Vincent

Kompany has written off the Czech Republic anyway so they cannot

possibly come back. We might have a team actually score three goals for

the first time in this tournament, do we think? We might but we have

written teams off already at half-time in this tournament and

they come back. Steve Wilson for the second half. No changes at half-time

from either manager. The Czech Republic have a job to do if they

are going to get back into this game such was the extent of Croatia's

superiority. Arte Cacic, the coach of Croatia. A very popular

appointment when he took over. He has been the assistant manager at

Libya amongst other things. The feeling was that he did not quite

have a top-notch CV but Croatia are looking like a pretty top-notch team

at the moment. His lack of coaching experience, obviously, but how you

get the best out of these players, all these players, the side are

working for each other and he seems to be adding the right dynamics to

the side. You have to be able to know how to work with these top

players and he is certainly doing it. On the front foot again with

Rakitic. They have to be so careful, the Czech Republic. That was half a

chance. One of the things which will be in their mind, I imagine, the

Czech Republic, if they lose this game they can only finish third in

this group. That is the best scenario. And if you are one of the

best placed third teams, you go through. But if you take a hiding

from someone in this tournament, you will not be one of the best placed.

So they do not want to be on the end of a drubbing from Croatia. You can

have a good win yourself, and the team can be unbeaten or what have

you. It makes it so much more interesting to think of a lot of

nations that would not necessarily have a chance of getting out.

Brozovic, back to his captain. Limbersky covering.

Corluka with the Petr Cech -esque headgear on. A really good player,

Rakitic. A little bit more freedom in this side as well. Of course,

when you have the quality like Modric, it frees you to go and

create things. It works so well. A good effort from Karabakh to put

under pressure. A problem his hand. -- a problem with his hand. He has

maybe just caught his fingers in the turf there. And bent his wrist over.

Rosicky is trying to exploit a witness in the left-back.

Skagerrak's ball in. Ten seoinage's ball out. -- Vida's ball out.

Well played by Corluka. It finds its way to Rakitic. Perisic thought it

was going to go to Mandzukic. I think he thought that Rakitic was

going to take the strike on. A brilliant run initially.

They are certainly approaching it in a more offensive fashion in the

second half, the Czech Republic. They could not get any deeper at

times, so they have to try to find something to go forward, to be more

positive and come out brighter. Luka Modric. Back into Brozovic. Brozovic

taken out of the attack by Darijo Srna's cross. They will try to keep

this away from Darijo Srna. Another demonstration of how to

counterattack well. Five up here in white shirts. Back

in two Rosicky. Captain and lofted up. -- kept in. A

good strike. That is really encouraging for the man behind the

goal. Vida did well, actually. Good work

on the turn from Krejci. A good strike, but comfortable enough. They

have broken their duck, the Czech Republic, in terms of shots on goal.

Luka Modric. A little injection of pace. Perisic almost got there. The

Hoffenheim right back at his hands full. He did well. He anticipated

the run early. Vida's header for Croatia. And is

Modric. Excellent from Modric. -- anticipated by Modric. The Croatian

front line know that when Modric picks it up, he will make you run

and pick you out. He has been unlucky on a few occasions but his

initial thought is to look for the pass. Rakitic and Brozovic.

Was he knocked over deliberately? Here is a lack. -- here is Skalak.

He is not working in unison with the full-back. Stalag and Kaderabek,

they are the two looking to get forward.

There is -- Perisic has continued his run.

A fantastic ball from Mandzukic. You feel like when Perisic is coming on

the inside, it puts him in a goal-scoring position.

And it is a free kick to the Czech Republic for the foul. Perisic,

still attacking. Well covered. So much brighter from the Czech

Republic going forward. I was not sure about that headgear.

Before this tournament, Croatia found out that they had an extra

team in the World Cup qualifying group, Kosovo. Joining the UEFA

family. Dealing with Croatia in World Cup qualifying, along with

Iceland, Turkey and Finland. The Czech Republic will play Northern

Ireland in qualifying for the next World Cup. Rakitic, a foul by

Plasil. Just breaking up, Plasil. A big break to his right. Brozovic and

Mandzukic making good runs. Although they are a little bit deeper in this

half, Croatia, they are still a threat going forward. The Czech

Republic, 11 different goal-scorers in qualifying for this tournament.

And they cannot find one know that they are here.

Given away by Hubnik. Rakitic is onside and clips it over Petr Cech.

Croatia lead by two. Hubnik has sold his sides down the river. 2-0 to

Croatia. And they will do very well to come

back from that, the Czech Republic. Great anticipation from Brozovic.

Sloppy possession. He sees that Rakitic is very. The Czech Republic

defence are split. That is a super finish. I thought initially he was

going to go around him but he sees that Petr Cech is coming out and he

has the awareness and presence of mind to send it over him. A

brilliant finish. Nothing more than they have deserved on that first

half performance. Croatia, so much more dominant in this game.

And Ivan Rakitic finally has his first goal in tournament football.

Lovely finish, wasn't it? Brilliant finish. Yes, delightfully done by

Rakitic. We came into the tournament saying, are they dark horses? Their

ranking suggests they will be a really good side in this tournament.

The quality of players they have at their disposal suggests that too. We

know full well that Croatia will be a really good side come the end of

the tournament. With the quality they've got, they could come all the

way. Just a little worried about Luka Modric here.

And it is Modric who is coming off. No need to risk the conductor in

chief for any longer. A smile from Modric. That would suggest that it's

just a little touch on his fly and he's fine. Kovacic comes on. Of

course we said before, he's the Talisman, Modric. But this boy,

Kovacic, is a very talented footballer. He is a player who likes

to pick passes and get them forward quickly and get attackers into the

game. They can almost start booking the venue for their big night out!

What was it he said again, Steve? Almost can't repeat it, word for

word. Good ball into Rakitic, Brozovic is

in the middle! But so was Cech. Well, with nearly half an hour to

go, you would be a bit worried now if you're the coach of the Czech

Republic, paddled -- Pavel Vrba must be beginning to

worry that his side are a bit out of their depth. Cech does well, it's

just that delay. He delays it a split second and allows Cech to come

out. That had actually looks as though

he's a water polo player! -- that hat. I watched a bit of water polo

at the Olympics in 2012. It's a corner. It came off the head

of the Czech player. Cader Something it does do for Croatia,

there is a slight doubt for Modric. Rakitic with this corner, Cech

deciding to punch. Corluka. It's not all over for the Czech

Republic if they do lose today, their final game is against Turkey

in Lens. They're certainly going to have to win it if they can't get a

recovery going here, which doesn't look likely.

Hubnik, forward. Good defending, Darijo Srna. It's going to be a free

kick to Croatia. Czech Republic are going to make their first change of

the day any moment. Joseph surrounds I think is the

player who is going to come on. -- Josef Sural. Sural and Skoda are

actually going to come on. Rakitic in a good position, Brozovic almost

found him, Mandzukic! Very close to number three. Well, he just panics,

there. Can see what he's trying to do. It's a poor finish at the end of

it. Mandzukic should be finishing that. He can take a touch, he can do

anything, but he certainly should be getting a shot on target. So, Lafata

is the first to come off, and he will be replaced by Milan Skoda, who

plays for Slavia Prague. And Skalak goes off as well and Josef Sural of

Sparta Prague comes on for him. Sural also came on in the opening

defeat to Spain. Skoda's first appearance of these championships.

Perisic, Mandzukic in the middle. Nothing given. It was a clumsy kind

of challenge. Very, very clumsy. Sivok heading back into position,

but it's a poor challenge. The full-back is having a nightmare.

There are certainly more goals in this for Croatia if they really want

them. It's actually Hubnik, just getting back into position. He just

jumped into the back of Mandzukic. That's a foul. That should be given

as a penalty. Free header. quickly and they caught each other.

They're both entitled to go for it. I think they both did OK, clashing

knees and everything, they will be fine. It really is poor from Hubnik.

Well picked up on from Brozovic. That is absolute quality from

Rakitic. You're out of position like that as well, you've got to be so

precise with your passing. When Brozovic gets his head up, he knows

they're out of position, he knows they are out of shape. That's

quality. Well, the parent of them would

appear to be OK. They're both going to come back on. I don't want to

pre-empt the outcome of the Spain Turkey game later, funny things can

happen, but it looks likely that the Croatia Spain game in Bordeaux on

the 21st will be to decide who wins Group B -- Group D. Mandzukic is

down at the moment. And there is, on paper anyway, everything is

hypothetical, but with the third-place teams going through,

there is, theoretically anyway, a distinct advantage to winning your

group as opposed to finishing second. Were you sorting out who is

playing who yesterday? I think we will all have trouble with that! I

was sent what I can only describe as an algorithm to decide which of the

third-place teams play against which of the third-place teams! How many

permutations? A ridiculous number. I look forward to trying to work that

out while the game is going on... And commentator at the same time! I

think Mandzukic is saying to Mark Clattenburg there that that was a

penalty earlier on. They've been sloppy at times in possession, the

Czech Republic. I think they've been poor and Croatia have had

comfortable possession. They have been played through far too easily.

That's a free kick to Croatia for the foul of Sivok on Mandzukic.

Sivok gets a yellow card. It's a difficult one here for Sivok,

because Mandzukic is looking at him as bad ball is flighted towards him.

He has his eye on the central defender. You just go to make the

challenge. I'm not so sure it's a booking.

Perisic and Rakitic are either side of the ball. Strinic has a straight

run at it. Perisic and Rakitic already on the scoresheet today.

It's Rakitic... And it's too high. Just to try and briefly explain this

third-place thing, there are six groups and four third-place teams go

through, but two don't. It's worked out on goal difference and goals

scored, so if you feel that your country is destined to finish third

in the group, if you are a fan of Northern Ireland, possibly the

Republic of Ireland, possibly Wales, you may perhaps finish third in your

group, so what you want is for other third-place teams in the group to

have as few points as possible. That is why Croatia beating Czech

Republic today is potentially good news for others.

It goes against Rakitic and in favour of Jaroslav Plasil. I think

if you offered Czech Republic a 0-2 now, they would probably take it.

Yeah, they would. We were saying at half-time there has been no 3-0

victory in the tournament so far, no one has scored three goals.

Certainly a target for Croatia. Hubnik nearly did it again. He's

always bouncing the passes, no real feel for the past, putting his

team-mates under pressure. Brozovic is unfortunate, he now has a yellow

card. His challenge was an Limbersky, who was played into

trouble by Hubnik. A bit of the chastening experience

this for the Czech Republic. No real threat in the final third, Croatia's

third of the field. Strinic wins it. Well cut out by

Tomas Rosicky. To Limbersky. A good first touch for Kaderabek. Drove

back in. Dangerous! It's in! What a great ball in by Tomas Rosicky. And

Milan Skoda headed into the back of the net. Not many people saw that

coming. That is another highlight of this tournament, substitutes making

an impact on the game. A brilliant ball in from Rosicky. And what a

brilliant header from Skoda. Sea bass Eck had no chance in goal. --

Subasic. Czech Republic now have a lifeline.

Well, that has changed the complexion in Saint Etienne. No

doubt about it. Skoda's header and now his charge down the touchline.

That is a foul again, a brilliant ball in. Going away from goal,

Skoda, generating a lot of power. He is falling backwards, and it is the

power that is generated. In the position that Skoda is in, to get

that much power... It is a very good header. The goalkeepers do not like

your criticism. It is never their fault.

Managing to pick Croatia's pockets here, they have a chance of taking

something from this game. Losing Modric, they have lost that linking

play in midfield. He is a talented player, Kovacic, but he is not able

to set up play like Modric does. Plasil is forward. Strinic.

Dangerous. Perisic. It is still in play. Some fairly keystone Cop

defending going on. A brilliant ball in. Mandzukic was a little bit on

his heels, even when the cross came back in. Brozovic was a bit static.

Strinic with the throw. Rakitic got a touch on it. Skoda making a

nuisance of himself. The clearance from Cholla cup falls two Rosicky.

-- Corluka. It comes off Darijo Srna and it is out by Corluka. That was

pure from Corluka. -- poor. They are full of life now, Croatia.

That is dangerous. Trying to go outside Sivok. Staying

on his feet well. Brozovic and Mandzukic in the middle. Great

attempt from Brozovic. A little deflection took an wide. What a goal

that would have been. A brilliant breakaway. Again, Perisic driving

forward. Brozovic just cannot get the strike on target. Brilliant

play. Darijo Srna with the ball in. Brozovic has been excellent today.

But this game is not won. For all their superiority, Croatia. Strinic

with the clearance. Tomas Rosicky. Danger here. Taken

away by Corluka. Corluka has done brilliantly. A cross to Mandzukic.

That gets a huge ovation. From the fans behind the goal. A good

challenge at the end. Brozovic was on target. I think Petr Cech would

have had to make the save. Good decision. Milan Skoda has

suddenly given them something. A very good header. But he is no

spring chicken. He is 30. His fourth international goal. And he is just

giving them something to think about. He is allowing the Czech

Republic players to get up in support of him.

He would have been hoping to send that behind but it is a corner to

Croatia. Looking for the foul they are. It was a foul, really, when he

shot over. -- shoved him over. Rakitic, the Croatian corner. Good

play by Petr Cech. A great ball by Strinic. Three

arriving in the middle. A lovely ball in to Brozovic. Fair play,

because they ran back a long way to make that challenge. Again, it is

the pace of Perisic. Brozovic has really contributed today. The person

who tracked the run made the challenge. Brilliant defending.

The kit is wide. -- the kick. The Czech Republic bringing an striker

who started the opening group defeat to Spain. Plasil makes way for

Necid. The game might have to be held up here for those flares. There

will be fines due. UEFA are very harsh on players. -- flares. No pun

intended. And again, you just wonder how, given the security, how do you

get those inside? We have seen numerous bag checks on route to the

stadium. And it is not just one or two. There are ten, 12.

The Croatian players appealing to their supporters to behave.

And I am afraid that these are very sorry indeed in the context of what

has happened France over the last 12 months. Mark Clattenburg here is

bringing the players together to the middle of the pitch. And will be

repercussions and they will serious ones for the Croatian football

Federation, no question about it. Mark Clattenburg has handled this

quite calmly. He is now speaking to the UEFA official on the near side.

And there are now fights breaking out in the Croatian segment of the

ground. It would appear to be difficult to judge from

here, but it would appear to be solely among the Croatian

supporters. One or two green jacketed stewards and security

people have made their way into that sector of the crowd. And an

announcement is being made over the PA system in Croatian. And I am

afraid that there is now quite a serious scuffle going on behind that

end of the ground. The Croatian federation, and their team, may well

face a similar, albeit suspended punishment, to that handing over the

Russian team at the moment, because this is very much in UEFA's

jurisdiction. -- hanging over. And they will take action. And Croatia,

I am afraid, they do not have a very good track record.

They have had problems at Croatian matches with far right groups,

particularly games played against Italy in the past, one in Genoa

particular you. They also had a problem in Split skin qualifying for

this tournament. This is completely spoiling what has been an enjoyable

afternoon of football, and their side is winning the game. It has

ruined the day, totally ruined it from Croatia's point of view. Such a

good side, talented performance again from them. These are sad, sad

scenes here. They have in the past had to play matches behind closed

doors in Croatia. The game will get back under way,

but that has left an acrid smell in the air and a sour taste in the

mouth. Pavel Kaderabek with this throw for

the Czech Republic. Up to Mandzukic, Perisic. Brozovic is in the middle.

Rakitic... Kovacic here. Hit Hubnik with the shot. Tomas Rosicky has

come-down holding the back of his right thigh, and when Tomas Rosicky

goes down, the Czech players and fans will be worried, because he has

only played 20 minutes of club football this season for Arsenal

during the whole campaign and they are currently getting the medical

people on for Rosicky. That is worrying. He's back on his feet. It

may have been cramped, I can only assume that's what it was, because

he is back on his feet. Big header. Corluka took it away at the last

minute, what has Mark Clattenburg given here? He's given a penalty!

Not sure if it's handball or not. Well, Croatia, who had this game

absolutely under control, are in danger here. Fedo

Vida's hand is up. It's an absolutely spot on decision by Mark

Clattenburg. What's he doing with his hands in the air like that?

They've dominated the game. Thomas Tomas Necid here to take a point for

the Czech Republic in a game they've hardly ever been in. 2-2!

CHEERING Well, they were in huge trouble in

this game at 2-0 down. There seemed no way back in the game, possibly no

way back in the tournament. Against the unpleasant backdrop of trouble

amongst the Croatian fans, the Czech Republic have equalised. It's

another substitution with a big impact on the game. Subasic dives to

his right hand side. Necid goes for power, in the roof of the net. It's

another substitute, it's another late, late goal. And it is 2-2.

Why on earth is he challenging with his hands in the air like that?

Brilliant decision from Clattenburg, he spots it early.

Here is Vida. We're about to find out how much additional time there

will be. Even though the goal came in the 94th minute, that was the

94th minute of play time, which was interrupted. Two substitutes and

they both score. Where have we heard that before, not so long ago?

They've put them under pressure, put balls into the area. Any defence is

going to struggle with it. Vida and Corluka have done well today,

defended everything in front of them. The ball played into a

dangerous area. Croatia want to get Gordon Schildenfeld on as a late

substitute. Necid, who scored the equalising goal. We were talking

about them winning 3-0, but it's amazing, that one moment as changed

everything in this game. Corluka. Well, also, Kevin, the stoppage may

also have contributed to the Croatian team's downfall here. It

may have done. You don't know what's going on in their minds

collectively. You're right. But momentum, certainly since the goal,

was with the Czech Republic. They're still a threat on the break

themselves, Croatia. Rakitic is coming off, Gordon Schildenfeld of

Dinamo Zagreb is coming on. A player who looks almost certain to join

Atletico Madrid... In by Skoda. Subasic to Darijo Srna. It feels

like the party has been put on hold, for Croatia. I would hope so, after

that. The thing is, why he has brought Schildenfeld on, it's about

protecting what he's got. They certainly don't want to lose this

game now. Perisic, that is a trip. Extraordinary. Croatia were 2-0 up

and cruising, making substitutions to try to stop themselves from

losing the game. Extraordinary. Header on, Necid back on his feet,

surrounded by white shirts. It's a corner to the Czech Republic. The

first corner of the game. So poor defensively as well, making bad

decisions. They could actually win this. In

goes the corner kick. Subasic came and didn't get anywhere near it.

It's another corner. A brilliant ball in from Darida. Going to take

this one too. Seven white shirts in the Croatian penalty area. That in

mere -- Darida with the corner kick.

Kovacic, Limbersky there. Fantastic control. Necid! Just beaten in the

air. Corluka away. Corluka was foul, Croatia have a free kick. That is

why Schildenfeld has been brought on. What a ball that was into the

area. Brilliant defending. They just can't get it right, can they, at

all, in these last few minutes, Croatia? Well, the second half

started 55 minutes ago. I think it's about to end. It is. The Czech

Republic have taken a point from a game which seemed way, way, way

beyond them. They looked out of their depth against this Croatian

side for a long time, but then Pavel Vrba made two substitutions and the

late penalty from Necid has earned them a vital point, but in a game

which has been in I'm afraid, overshadowed by crowd trouble,

Croatian supporters fighting each other and throwing flares inside the

stadium. There will be repercussions for the Croatian FA and there may be

repercussions for their team, because it has finished Croatia 2-2

Czech Republic. STUDIO

Croatia a point clear of defending champions Spain at the top of Group

D. Spain will qualify for the last 16 if they beat Turkey this evening.

Czech Republic with their first point on the board in quite

remarkable circumstances. Vincent, you said at half-time there was no

way they could come back. I know this is almost your prepubescent

punditry period, but I'm not going to let you off that one! We

mentioned before they did not have the pace to get out and Croatia was

really dominating them, but except for the flares and everything going

on, the game changed because they decided to play direct. They have

got physical strikers and all of a sudden chances started to happen for

them. They played to their strengths and that's way they're going to get

anything out of the next few games as well. Good penalty, by the way.

Very good. How much do you think the flares perhaps played a part in that

at the end? The players were clearly gesturing at their own fans do not

do that. You don't want to take anything away from the Czech

Republic. I was disappointed they took the focus away from their own

team. You can't do that sort of thing at a football match. You can't

do that. That was stupid and not right. Why would you go to the

stadium and do that? To go back in a certain way to the game, I think

that did disturb the Croatian team and also, Modric coming off changed

the whole game, for me. He was crucial when he went off, the

control he had, they lost, and it gave momentum to the checks.

It's an incredible point for the Czech Republic from nowhere. Yeah,

it comes from nowhere, but after what you've seen and the images, you

almost feel like it's a little bit of justice, not in footballing

terms, but what has happened there? I do not understand it. It's their

own fans against each other. I suspect they will get similar to

Russia, a warning, or do you think they will go further? That was even

worse than what we saw in the stadium with the Russian fans. I

guess to be fair you have too warned them, because it would be all most

unfair if they said no, you've got to go. But I would say that is very

stupid. Sadly we've got no time at this juncture but that's it from us.

For much of the game it looked like Croatia's flair would see them

through to the knockout stage, but their fans' flares may have cost

them dear. Goodbye. COMMENTATOR: Perisic... Perisic!

1-0, to the surprise of absolutely nobody. Rakitic is onside and clips

it over Petr Cech. It is 2-0 to Croatia. Curled back in dangerously,

it is in. Tomas Necid,