Spain wins late; Italy through; Croatia done

[EURO 2012 WRAP] Italy scored in the first half, while beating Ireland 2-0. Its lead made for a tense second half between Spain and Croatia. Spain — in aperformance similar to its World Cup final victory — won 1-0, taking the group with Italy second and Croatia third.
 
For the first time since July 11, 2010, the date of the World Cupfinal in South Africa, defending Euro champ Spain was at risk of being eliminated. This game ended in similar fashion, as Spain kept its chase for history alive.
 
Once Italy took thelead in the 37th minute over Ireland things got serious. The 1-0 lead for Italy, and no goals in this game, would see Spain finishing second in the group, and Croatia out. But a win by Italy meantSpain would be eliminated with a loss — and Spanish fans had reason to be nervous for nearly 90 minutes.
 
Croatia looked more dangerous with their limited chances and LukaModric’s outstanding run, and cross, found Ivan Rakitic yards away from the face of goal in the 59th minute. Iker Casillas stopped Rakitic’spowerful header, in the 79th Croatia put Spain in danger again on a well hit volley from Ivan Perisic. Casillas did his job, and Spain’s famous patience was finally rewarded,yet again.