Italy vs Croatia result in a 1-1 draw : Euro 2012 match report

Croatia's Celebration after Equalizer || Image Courtesy  CNN.com

Croatia halts Italy 1-1 , in the Euro Cup Group C match on Thursday , to move to top  spot in the points table and are now almost assured a slot in the next stages of the tournament, featuring the top eight teams from each group . After this draw Croatia now have 4 points from 2 games , while  Italy on the other hand having drawn both their games , till now secured only 2 points . 

Tonight's  game featured intense competition , Italy took the lead in the late minutes of the first period of the game , after a beautiful crafted Free kick from Veteran midfielder Pirlo  found it's way inside the net , in the 39th minute mark. Italy kept on creating pressure from early on the game and restricted Croatia's movement with the ball , Italian Forward Mario Balotelli had quite a few shots at goal but was unsuccesfull in capitalizing from any of it . Italian Coach Prandelli rather took his chance with Balotelli instead of feilding Di Natale in his place , in fact the opposite was actually  predicted by the pundits and critics . Balotelli however kept opponent goalkeeper Mario Mandzukic  quite busy throughout the entire first period of the game . Italy took controll of the Midfield , created space for attack and almost did everything right in the first half to assure themselves the lead .  

The Second half , however saw the Croatian's rejuvenated and the more fresh side after the break , more men pushed upfront to assist the attack and midfield looked well composed , Luka Modric & Mandzukic's coordination and understanding paved the way for the equalizer from the Croatians in the 71st minute.  When , Mario Mandzukic  did no mistake in slotting home a stunner  after receiving the ball on the left side of the goal , Buffon failed to intercept after the ball took a deflection , hitting the bar on it's way in . 

Smoke and Firecrackers after the  equalizer caused the game to paused for a moment as it was directed by  English referee Howard Webb.

Italy's task will now be all the more difficult ,they will have to win their remaing game and depend on results from the other game in Group C tonight featuring Ireland vs Spain .