Euro's:Day Three

• Italy and Spain played to a 1-1 draw in the opening game for group C. The two favorites for the group will be happy with a point a piece and it was probably a fair result after 90 minutes.
• The standout Italian player for me was Antonio Cassano, who was dangerous throughout playing behind the central striker. His runs out into wide position were dangerous all game and allowed him to create chances for himself and others. These runs also made space for Claudio Marchisio to move into, who also had a good game getting forward from midfield for the Italians.
• The no striker ploy from Vicente Del Bosque failed massively despite Fabergas scoring the equalizer for Spain. They were much more dangerous once Del Bosque introduced Jesus Navas and Fernando Torres, a traditional winger and a traditional striker that brought much more balance to a Spanish attack full of play makers. 
• Torres should have won the game for Spain after coming on, fluffing two fantastic. Buffon stopped him on the first after he attempted to round him and the second one saw him try and chip Buffon when he had Navas through on an open net if he could have found the passing lane.
• Conversely Antonio Di Natale took one of his two decent chances after coming on for a frustrated Mario Balotelli, who blew the best chance of the game and was subbed shortly thereafter.
• Croatia dispatched of Ireland, with two goals from Mario Mandzukic. The 3-1 scoreline is flattering but it was still a must win game for Irish who now face a daunting task in two games against Italy and Spain needing four points to advance out of the group.
• The gulf in quality was evident from start to finish as the Irish struggled to create any meaningful chances. Robbie Keane's poor form for the LA Galaxy carried over into this game as he had very little impact.
• Trapattoni had to take a risk now in the coming games against Italy and Spain. Kevin Doyle did a good job earning free kicks for the Irish but he needs to be dropped in favor of more dangerous options in Jonathan Walters and Shane Long. 
• Glenn Whelan will be upset with himself, he had some good chances from distance and a free header but failed to test Stipe Peltikosa.
• The Irish crowd was fantastic and loud throughout, staying to the very end to cheer on their side regardless of the result. This pleased me very much as someone of Irish descent.
• What also dawned on me whilst listening to the Irish crowd was the lack of Vuvuzela's. It's so nice watching these games without the constant buzzing in the background. I can only imagine how happy the players are.