Croatia leads Ireland 2-1 at halftime at Euro 2012

Published Jun. 10, 2012 4:36 p.m. ET

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Croatia took a 2-1 lead over Ireland at halftime Sunday in their opening match of the European Championship.

On a rainy evening in Poznan, Croatia scored in the third minute when Mario Mandzukic looped a header past a diving Shay Given after Darijo Srna's cross was deflected by Ireland defender Stephen Ward.

Ireland equalized in the 19th when Sean St. Ledger headed in Aiden McGeady's free kick from the right of the penalty box.

Nikica Jelavic put Croatia back in front in the 43rd minute after Ireland failed to clear a corner.