GROUP C FINALE: Spain 1-0 Croatia; Italy 2-0 Rep.Ireland

Balls.
My predictions are now looking as accurate as something that's very inaccurate indeed.
Croatia in the final, you say? Not so.
They're gone. Along with them ten pounds of my hard-earned, wagered each-way on them. They held Spain for most of last night's game, and were only a goal away from qualification, but if truth be told (and, by Jove, it will) never looked as good or likely to win. Thanks Jove. And in the other game of which I only saw the goals, the Italians dispatched the Irish.
HOW THEY FINISHED: 1: SPAIN  2: ITALY  3: Croatia  4: Rep.Ireland.
Looking at that, surely most people would have predicted that's how this group would have ended. Surely I could have predicted that, not this rubbish.

They Finished 16th: REP. IRELAND

And we have our first faller.

Less than a week after the tournament started, it's over for the Irish.

There was to be no glory, no David slaying Goliath against Spain, and no doubting Croatia were the better side in their opening game.

Irish fans were undoubtedly the stars of their show, and will be out in force and good voice against Italy. But, much like England, there's a real lack of stars on the pitch. Although they do have performances from James McClean to look forward to.

He needs to start against Italy.

Spain 4-0 Rep.Ireland

Although this blog does not condone any writing on any walls, as that's graffiti, the writing was on the wall after four minutes of this.

Ireland conceded another early goal and left themselves an uphill task so uphill it proved a mountain too high, if there is such a saying.

But in reality, it was always a big ask/task for the Irish. It's a team heavy on Championship quality players that just happen to have Premiership quality fans.

Spain, on the other hand, are undoubtedly world class. And Torres is back scoring again. Which all means I'm a bit worried for Croatia, as they meet Spain in the last game, and even a draw in that might not be enough to see them through to the knockout stages...

Although, I predict Irish eyes will be smiling after they draw with Italy...

Croatia 3-1 Rep.Ireland

Can't help feeling a bit Doctor Smug from Smugsville.

For my money (and I've a fiver each way on them to win Euro 2012 at 40-1) Croatia looked the best team I've seen in the tournament so far. Yes, I know, England haven't played yet.

No shame on the Irish for losing to them. On tonight's showing, they'd have beaten anyone. A bit lucky with a couple of goals and penalty decisions maybe, but they're packing a lot of creative weapons and a player called (but probably not spelt) Rakatich, who sounds awesome and who had a pretty good game.

Get some money on this lot to go far, but don't blame me if it goes tits up. I've had a Guinness.