Euro 2012: Republic of Ireland vs Croatia - Group C - Match Preview

The Republic of Ireland kick off their Euro 2012 campaign in what could be their most winnable match from Group C as they prepare to face Slaven Bilic's Croatia.

by Kyle Gammon

Team News

Shay Given is likely to start the game but there are serious doubts over his fitness for later games so Kieran Westwood could be called into action for the games against Spain and Italy. Midfielder Glenn Whelan also pulled up with an injury in Ireland's last training session before the game but has not been ruled out from starting. Croatia only have one injury concern with Vedran Corluka straining a muscle in training but Slaven Bilic has stated that he should pull through in time for the tie.

Expected Line-ups

Ireland (4-4-2): Given; O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward; Duff, Whelan, Andrews, McGeady; Keane, Doyle. Croatia (4-4-2): Pletikosa; Corluka, Schildenfeld, Simunic, Strinic; Perisic, Modric, Dujmovic, Srna; Mandzukic, Jelavic
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