the Castrol Edge Index courtesy of the two crucial headers that earned
victory against the Republic of Ireland.
It will not surprise many to see Mario Mandžukić named the top
performer after Croatia eased to an impressive 3-1 victory against the
Republic of Ireland to begin their UEFA EURO 2012 campaign with a bang
and go top of Group C.
Croatia dominated the top five in the Castrol Edge Index, with fellow
goalscorer and target man Nikica Jelavić finishing second, and the
incisive passing and dangerous long-range shooting of Ivan Rakitić
putting him in third.
Mandžukić deservedly takes the plaudits, however, for his master class
in opportunistic finishing and the significance of his two goals. His
first, scored inside three minutes – the sixth fastest strike at a
EURO – was vital, knocking the confidence out of their opponents and
silencing the famous Green Army in the stands. It was a well-taken
header too, requiring power and direction from distance – especially
as he lost his footing moments before the ball arrived.
In terms of style, timing and importance, his second was almost a
carbon copy. With Croatia just 2-1 up at the restart, Irish optimism
remained high. Again it was dampened by Mandžukić. His flicked header
found its way into the bottom corner after 49 minutes (via the post
and Shay Given) to extinguish any hope of a comeback. Mandžukić had
just two goal attempts all game – they were both knockout blows.
Castrol Edge Index: Croatia v Republic of Ireland
1. Mario Mandžukić (CRO) 9.21
2. Nikica Jelavić (CRO) 9.00
3. Ivan Rakitić (CRO) 8.84
4. Keith Andrews (IRL) 8.72
5. Stipe Pletikosa (CRO) 8.30
Key facts
3 - This is the first time the Republic of Ireland have ever conceded
three goals in a final tournament match.
6 - Croatia's opener is the sixth-fastest goal in the history of the
UEFA European Championship, and the first inside the opening three
minutes since Michael Owen struck against Portugal at UEFA EURO 2004.
2 – Mario Mandžukić is only the second Croatia player to score a
double at the EURO, after Davor Šuker.
100 - Mandžukić had just two goal attempts in the entire game but
scored twice, finishing with a 100% shots-to-goals ratio.
4 – Croatia have now won four successive EURO group games, following
victories against Austria, Germany and Poland in UEFA EURO 2008 Group
B.
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