Post match analysis: EURO 2012 Group B Second round

After last night matches, Spain and Croatia both have 4 points leading group C, while Ireland is the first team in EURO 2012 saying goodbye after two comprehensive losses.  Italy will not be able to decide their own faith anymore, even if they win over Ireland in the last match. 

Let's take a look at the post-match statistic of these two games, and what are the possibilities at group C.

1. Croatia vs Italy 

This was the second time that Italy took the lead, and also the second time they let their opponent catch up. Italy had an upper hand last night against Croatia after the spectacular free-kick by Pirlo putting them ahead at 39 minutes. After half time, Italy let Croatia take control in the midfield, and play a very disciplined defense. However, just a momentary lapse of concentration, Croatia leveled the game with Mandzukic at 72 minutes. 

Looking at the detailed statistic, two teams were quite equal. Italy had 51% of ball possession, 12 goals attempts, 5 of which was on target. Croatia had 49% ball possession, 8 goals attempts and 6 were on target. Of course, Croatia is the happier team with a draw. 

2. Spain vs Republic of Ireland 

The reigning champion showed their strength in this match against the weakest team of group C. Torres had an impressive performance after left out of the starting line-up in the first match. He returned with a vengeance and put Spain ahead after just 4 minutes. Ireland was only able to hold on to that scoreline until 48 minutes as David Silva mesmerized Irish defense to double the gap. 70 minutes, Torres made a double after ruthlessly finished a good pass from teammate. Fabregas concluded a 4 star win for Spain at 83 minutes. 

Spain was clearly dominating the game with 66% of ball possession, relentlessly pushing forward. They had 20 goals attempts compared to Ireland's 3, 15 of which were on target. The gap would have been wider hadn't it been for Shay Given's saves. 

3. Possibilities at Group C

Spain only needs a draw in their last match against Croatia to finish 1st at group C, while Italy is worrying that history could happen once again. In EURO 2004, Spain was in the same position now. Although they won over Bulgaria, Denmark and Sweden went through after a 2-2 draw.

If Spain and Croatia draw 2-2 in the last match and Italy wins against Ireland, their EURO journey will stop. EURO's policy is to count the number of goals in head-to-head matches and Italy already had two 1-1 draw. Goal difference will only be taken into consideration if Spain and Croatia draw 1-1. 

Tonight we will see the last 2 matches of second round, England vs Sweden and Ukraine vs France. Stay tuned for our pre-match analysis in the game between England and Sweden. Meanwhile, check out the latest odds and markets at 36BOL Sports Betting.