Leicester City defender Sean St Ledger got on the scoresheet for the Republic of Ireland but was unable to help his country to an opening three points as they lost 3-1 to Croatia in Group C of Euro 2012.
St Ledger equalised for Ireland to make the score 1-1 after 19 minutes in the game in Poznan but two goals from Mario Madzukic and another from Nikica Jelavic leaves Ireland's hopes of progressing from Group C looking slim.
Despite the pre-match excitement, the Irish got off to the worst possible start. From the first corner of the game after two minutes, Ireland failed to clear the ball fully. A cross into the box fell to Mandzukic and despite slipping and being a long way out, the Wolfsburg striker steered a header into the net past a wrong-footed Shay Given.
But after regrouping, Ireland equalised through Leicester's very own St Ledger. Aiden McGeady's free-kick found St Ledger at the back post and headed home from close range. There was a slight controversy over the goal, however, as a whistle from the crowd was heard as the free-kick was crossed in and some of Croatia's defenders seemed to hesitate. But the goal stood and Ireland were level.
As Ireland were hoping to go into half time on level terms, Croatia retook the lead. After again failing to clear, the ball fell to Everton striker Jelavic who lifted the ball over Given. Irish defenders thought Jelavic was offside but the ball appeared to arrive at his feet from an Irish boot.
The start of the second half started in similar fashion for Ireland, conceding another cheap, if more unfortunate goal. Mandzukic headed towards goal which hit the post, only for the ball to go in off Given's head.
Conceding a third in such a fashion was a blow for Ireland, and if anyone looked like scoring a next goal it was the Croatians. But once again, Ireland took stock and were denied a good claim for a penalty as Gordon Schildenfeld went through the back of Robbie Keane in the area. Had that penalty been awarded and converted then perhaps Ireland would have ended up taking something from the game, but in the end Croatia deserved the win.
The result means Ireland must get a result against current World and European champions Spain on Thursday to have any chance of qualifying from Group C.
Ireland: Given; O'Shea, St.Ledger, Dunne, Ward; McGeady (Cox 54), Whelan, Andrews, Duff; Doyle (Walters 53), Keane (Long 75.
Croatia: Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic; Vukojevic, Rakitic (Dujmovic 90), Modric, Perisic (Eduardo 89); Mandzukic, Jelavic (Kranjcar 72).
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