Srna says Ireland won’t leave pointless

Croatia captain Dario Srna has tipped Ireland to get a result against Spain on Thursday after praising Giovanni Trapattoni’s team following Sunday’s 3-1 win.

Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored two goals in the win, also revealed that he has never been in such a physical battle as the one against Richard Dunne in Poznan, while coach Slaven Bilic said that Ireland had been “easy to analyse”.

“Ireland are a tricky squad, and I’m sure they won’t leave the Euros without points. Their style of play won’t suit Spain, that’s for sure,” said Srna, whose attacking thrust down the right flank was a constant threat for his side.

Mandzukic, meanwhile, opened his tournament account with two headed in the opening minutes of each half but the Wolfsburg striker knew he had been in a game after the final whistle. “I suffered a beating like never before, I can still feel pain,” he said.

“We knew exactly what was in store for us, Bilic prepared us really well. We knew exactly how to play against them. The Irish fought, created problems for us defensively and the victory was hard-fought, although convincing. We were a better team in each segment of the game.

“My Dad always said I have to work harder when it comes to heading. I hope he’s pleased now. I know I have height and strength to play like this, so I had to make sure I use those qualities the best I can.”

Bilic was pleased with his team’s performance and insisted he was not worried even when Sean St. Ledger headed Ireland level midway through the first half. “We were excellent tactically and psychologically,” the coach said.

“That brought us the victory, with a couple of superb individual performances. Ireland’s play was quite easy to analyse and we did exactly what we wanted, managed to fulfil our tactical plan. We tried to be active in the midfield and run all the time.

“We knew it was going to be hard to create chances against Ireland, but we created more than others did against them and we’re very good at finishing — we scored three times and could score a couple more.

“We can always play better, but this game was our top level. I had no fear when we conceded. That was unpleasant and I’m angry because of the way that happened. But you have to give the Irish credit for that — that’s how they score, that’s their strength. Spain and Italy won’t have it easy against Ireland, who are very good in the air. But, very simply, we are a better team.

“The friendly match in Dublin from August last year provided the basis for my tactics in this game. But we can absolutely play better.”