Two things were mentioned a lot in the build-up to this game. One was Italy’s failure to beat Croatia in the five previous meetings between the countries since Croatia’s independence in 1991.

The other concerned who was the better playmaker, Andrea Pirlo or Luka Modric.

Level pegging: Mario Mandzukic scores the equaliser

After another intriguing Euro 2012 90 minutes, we are where we were on these. Italy still have not beaten Croatia and while Pirlo had the best of the first half — scoring Italy’s goal with a sweet free-kick — Modric pushed further forward after a flat opening 45 minutes and gave Croatia the impetus to equalise through Mario Mandzukic. The draw suited the Croats more — for now. They have four points having beaten the Republic of Ireland. But Croatia have Spain next.

Italy quickly studied the permutations and realized a 2-2 draw between Croatia and Spain would see both through.

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