Ireland v Croatia - in pictures

Croatian fans gather at the central square in Poznan Photograph: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images

And here are even more that you couldn't see in that last picture Photograph: Kacper Pempel/Reuters

Irish fans are here in their droves too. Their side are unbeaten in their last 14 matches Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

Cheeky Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images

The game is only two minutes old when Croatia seize the lead. Mario Mandzukic (left) scored the most awkward header you're likely to see in this tournament. He slipped before making contact, so there was no power in it at all Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

Shay Given, the Ireland goalkeeper, will be wondering how that's beaten him Photograph: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Mandzukic runs off celebrating. What a start for the Croats Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

But it's not long before Ireland are back in the match ... Sean St Ledger beats Corluka to a swinging free-kick and glances the ball beyond Croatia's goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa Photograph: Armando Babani/EPA

It's 1-1 with 19 minutes gone ... needless to say the Irish fans celebrate by performing the 'Poznan' Photograph: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images

But with half-time on the horizon, Croatia re-take the lead. It's a mucky goal. The ball pinged around the penalty box before arriving at the feet of Everton striker Nikica Jelavic, who guided it beyond Given with the outside of his right boot Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

The Croats are delirious Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

In fact, they've let off so many flares that the game has to be paused Photograph: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

The start of the second half brings more misery for Ireland as Croatia begin to assert their dominance. Mandzukic gets his second of the match - and it's another bizarre headed goal. This time his effort came back off the post, whacked Shay Given and crossed the line. How unlucky can Ireland get? Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

Ireland are valiant in their pursuit of goals and have a shout for a penalty turned down when Robbie Keane is felled, but whatever they do they can't seem to find the net Photograph: Adam Ciereszko/EPA

The game is up, Ireland are beaten. If they thought that was tough, worse could be to come - next up they face the world champions Spain. Final score: 1-3 Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images