Slaven Bilic’s Croatia will take on Italy in their Group C clash at Stadion Miejski, Poznań Poland today (June 14, 2012) knowing a win would seal their qualification to the quarter-finals stage, while reigning champions Spain take on Republic of Ireland at PGE Arena Gdańsk, Poland.The Azzurri are likely to stick with the 3-5-2 formation which earned them a 1-1 draw against Spain in their opening game. Croatia, sitting in pole position of Group C after their 3-1 triumph over Republic of Ireland, are expecting a much tougher match against Italy. The Azzurri will make it far more harder for Modric & Co. to seize control of the midfield like they did against Ireland. Croatia have not lost to Italy since attaining independence in 1991, earning three wins and two draws.
Meanwhile, Vicente del Bosque’s Spain are expected to steamroll over Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland in the another Group C match. Bosque came under criticism for his decision not to field a recognized striker in their opening match 1-1 draw against Italy. Cesc Fabregas is likely to make way for Torres in the starting eleven. Trapattoni is set to make one change to his team by dropping Kevin Doyle and bringing in Stoke’s Jon Walters to play behind Robbie Keane. The Irish, currently placed bottom of Group C, needs a win against Spain to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Spain-Ireland last meeting was in 2002 WC last-16 match which ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Spaniards qualifying for the next stage by winning 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out.
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