Ireland’s Euro 2012 campaign got off to the worst possible start in Poznan as Giovanni Trapattoni’s side slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Croatia.
From the third minute when Mario Mandzukic’s low header edged past Shay Given the Irish were up against it.
Sean St Ledger’s 19th minute equaliser was a brief moment of respite but two goals either side of half time left Trapattoni’s side chasing the game during the second half.
Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane were both substituted during the second half but the Croatian defence held firm to take Slaven Bilic’s side to the top of Group C.
Ireland’s strength throughout the qualifying campaign has been their defence but all three Croatian goals fell into the preventable category as goalscorer St Ledger admitted.
He said: “We conceded sloppy goals which is not like us – usually we’re pretty tight. Obviously we knew that in the second half we had to come out and (at that stage) the next goal was important, and they got it, and when you’re 3-1 down against a side like Croatia it’s always going to be tough.
“It was unlike us today, the goals that we conceded; I wouldn’t have said that Croatia split us open.
“It was always important to try and get off to a good start; that’s not happened, but give credit to Croatia, they’re a good side with a talented squad.
Substitute Jon Walters added: “We’re disappointed with the result but we can’t dwell on it too long. We’ve got two massive games coming up and anything can happen – hopefully it happens for us.
“We conceded very early on and then just before and after half-time which killed us. We have to pick ourselves up and go again.”
Ireland face World Cup holders Spain in their next match on Thursday followed by Croatia v Italy.
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