Euro 2012: Italy 2-0 Ireland – Azzurri Through To Last Eight, Irish Go Home After Better Display (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

18th, June 2012

4 Comments

By Alan Duffy

Italy made it through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 after a decent, if nervy, display against Group C whipping boys Ireland.

To be fair to the Irish, they put on a much better display in this, their last match in the competition before they tootle off for their summer hols. However, more defensive sloppiness eventually allowed Italy to take the lead on 36 minutes, with striker Antonio Cassano nodding home from a corner.

Giovanni Trapattoni sent on Shane Long and then Jonathan Walters in the second-half, with those two giving the Irish frontline a bit of much-needed pace. However, an equaliser never came. Instead, mad Mario Balotelli, on as a sub, fired home a fine semi-overhead kick to secure the win for the Italians. The City loon tried to gesture towards Cesare Prandelli, no doubt to complain about not starting, but was sensibly kept quiet by his team-mates.

Keith Andrews became the third player at the finals to be sent off, receivng a second yellow after what looked like an innocuous challenge.

With Croatia losing against Spain, Italy’s victory put them through to the last eight where they’ll prove a handful for anyone. Poor old Trap and Ireland, on the other hand, need to put a few of the older players out to stud (not literally) and focus on the limited but decent young talent coming through.

Photos…

Highlights to follow…

Photos: PA

Posted in Euro 2012, Videos

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4 Comments

  1. Joe says:

    It was reported that Balotelli was shouting something in English at the Irish supporters for them booing when he entered the match. His team mates just saw him open his mouth and figured it was a good idea to shut it for him

  2. Jarren says:

    Fair play to the Irish, they gave it a good go.

    They obviously play better when the pressure is off them, it has to be said.

    Who wouldn’t?

    As for the Italians, well it’s going to be interesting seeing who wins the France / England / Ukraine group today.

    I’ll be honest and say I fully expect England to get at least a draw against Ukraine, which means they will probably play Spain.

    Oh God.

    I mean, seriously, there’s no way France are gonna fuck up against Sweden is there?

    I could see England beating the Italians, but Spain?

    That will take an effort to make the (wait for it…) Chelsea vs Barcelona games a walk in the park.

    Sorry England, but you’re gonna have to give the Ukranians a damn good thrashing if you want to avoid an inquisition…

  3. plops says:

    Irelold, as they say.

  4. Jarren says:

    @plops:

    …quite.

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