Croatia take advantage of sloppy Ireland defending, while Spain and Italy draw

Mario Mandzukic scored one and made another, for five Fantasy League points, in Croatia's 3-1 win over Republic of Ireland on day three.

Everton striker Nikica Jelavic also scored three Fantasy League points for his goal, while Sean St Ledger scored Ireland's consolation.

Croatia were ahead inside three minutes when Mandzukic's expertly guided header found the bottom corner of the net after a cross had been deflected to him.

No assist was given for the goal because there was a significant intervention from a defender which changed the direction of the ball, from going across goal, to Mandzukic on the edge of the box.

Ireland levelled matters midway through the half when St Ledger evaded his marker to head in Aiden McGeady's free-kick.

Jelavic clipped in a second just before half time after some terrible defending from Stephen Ward, so no assist was given.

The result was beyond doubt just after the break when Mandzukic headed against the post and the rebound went in off the unfortunate Shay Given for an own goal.

Fantasy League credit goals as per the Press Association, who gave a Given own goal, and so Mandzukic gets the two Fantasy League points for the assist for his effort against the post.

Elsewhere, in the other game in Group C, World and European champions Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy.

Antonio Di Natale and Cesc Fabregas were the scorers, earning three FL points each, while Andrea Pirlo and David Silva scored two apiece for the assists.