Republic of Ireland v Croatia Football Results

The Republic of Ireland has played Croatia seven times which is a surprisingly high number in view of the fact that modern Croatia has only existed (in an international football context) since the early 1990’s.

The record for each nation in the encounters so far is almost completely identical; two matches won, two lost and three draws. Each country has scored eight goals, and by definition has also conceded eight goals, against the other in the matches so far.

Ireland has the edge in friendly matches played between the two countries having won once and drawn three matches, scoring five goals and conceding four. Crucially, Croatia have the edge in competitive meetings.

Ireland V Croatia in Euro 2000 Qualifiers

Ireland played Croatia in Irish manager Mick McCarthy’s first ever Euro finals qualification match. The countries had met for the first time two years earlier in a friendly 2-2 draw at Lansdowne Road (now Aviva Stadium).

Two early goals from Manchester United duo, Denis Irwin and Roy Keane were enough to secure victory for the Irish and to give the ideal start to Ireland’s Euro 2000 qualification campaign. Unfortunately for McCarthy and the Irish there was to be a less than ideal finish to the campaign. A last gasp equaliser by Macedonia in the last qualification match, in Skopje, denied Ireland outright qualification for the Euro 2000 finals.

Ireland missed out on qualification entirely as they lost to Turkey on the away goals rule over two legs of the Euro 2000 playoffs.

Ireland V Croatia at Euro 2012

Ireland began the Euro 2012 campaign in the worst possible manner. With just over two minutes gone in their opening Group C tie against Croatia in Poznan, the Irish found themselves a goal behind. A guided header from Mandžukic wrong-footed Irish goalkeeper Shay Given and despite a despairing dive by the Irish record cap holder, the ball crept just inside the post. This was a real shock to Giovanni Trapattoni’s team not to mention the massed ranks of Irish fans in the stands of the Municipal Stadium.

Despite a quick reply from the Irish through a Sean St Ledger headed goal after 19 minutes, the Irish were undone by a goal from Jelavic just before half time, and a further Mandžukic goal four minutes into the second half. The Irish teamed toiled to recover the situation however they could not make a breakthrough despite having legitimate claims for a penalty when Robbie Keane was felled in the Croatian box.

Republic of Ireland Match Results Against Croatia

Republic of Ireland v Croatia Record Summary

Ireland v Croatia Euro Finals Record

Ireland v Croatia Euro Qualifiers Record

Ireland v Croatia Friendly Matches Record