Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Ireland's Euro 2012 Group C opener against the Slaven Bilic's stylish Croatia, kicking off at 7.45pm UK time.

There goes the final whistle! A 3-1 win for Croatia. A comfortable win. Croatia go top of Group C with three points.

Rakitic departs with Tomislav Dujmovic on. This match all but over.

Chance for Andrews, but he nods inches wide from Duff's corner. So near, yet so far. Remains 3-1 to Croatia.

We are into five minutes of time added on.

Croatia with plenty of bodies behind the ball. Whelan sees a shot deflect over the bar for an Irish corner.

Perisic departs to be replaced by Eduardo, who is given a big reception by the Croatian fans.

Croatia trying to run down the clock in the Irish half. Change coming here for Croatia.

Duff picks out Andrews with the cross. Gets the header at goal, but ball is over the bar. Much better delivery from Ireland.

A few heavy challenges flying in here as Kranjcar goes through Cox with a sliding challenge. Mandžukic is needing a spot of treatment elsewhere after battling in the air with St Ledger.

Ireland will need to go back to the Jackie Charlton days and get the ball from back to front as quickly as possible. Need a goal quickly here.

Kranjcar is booked for a late challenge on Walters.

Cox swing a ball into the feet of Walters, but speeds off the surface before landing in the arms of Pletikosa.

Andrew drives a shot at goal from 25 yards. Sees the shot spin a couple of yards wide. Worth a bash, but a familiar story on the night.

Duff's cross picks out Andrews, whose header is saved by Pletikosa. Decent move from Ireland, but the header again lacked enough pace.

The Irish fans begin to sing. At least they are keeping things in perspective, even if this has been a bit of a lesson in possession football.

Corluka tumbles under pressure from Cox. Irish want a penalty for handball, but the foul is given against Ireland.

Rakitic curls an effort inches wide from Srna's pass. Glorious move from Croatia. Irish can't get near the ball.

Ireland continue working hard to close down space, but Croatia always seem to have an extra pass available to them.

A disappointing night for Keane on an evening of dejection for Ireland. But they can have few complaints. The fans will party whatever the result is.

Another change for Ireland as Keane is wheeled off to be replaced by Shane Long.