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O’Shea’s Ireland defeated in Euro opener

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It was a disappointing start the 2012 European Championships for John O’Shea who was part of a Republic of Ireland side defeat 3-1.

Sunderland defender O’Shea started and played the full 90 for the Republic who were beaten comfortably by Croatia.

Starting at right-back the 30 year-old Black Cats defender was powerless to prevent his country falling behind after just two minutes to a Mario Mandzukic header.

An equaliser from Sean St. Ledger had Irish eyes smiling before Everton striker Nikica Jelavic put the Croatian’s back in front two minutes before the break.

Four minutes after the re-start, Irish stalwart Shay Given was awarded an extremely unlucky own-goal after another Mandzukic header came back off the post and struck the former Mag’s ‘keeper’s head and bobbled in to secure the win for Slaven Bilic’s side.

West Brom midfielder Keith Andrews could have halved the deficit in injury time when his gilt-edged header dropped inches wide of Stipe Pletikosa’s left-hand post.

The defeat leaves Giovanni Trapattoni’s side bottom of Group C after Spain and Italy drew 1-1 earlier in the day.

Winger James McClean was an unused substitute for the boys in green.

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