Croatia took charge of Group C with a 3-1 victory on Sunday as Ireland s usually reliable defence crumbled in Poznan.
Mario Mandzukic got the Balkan side off to a great start with an early goal but Sean St Ledger restored parity midway through the first half.
Ireland then began to take a back seat in the match and they were punished with goals from Nikica Jelavic and Mandzukic either side of the break.
Croatia were ahead within three minutes of the kick-off.
Darijo Srna drove to the byline and clipped the ball back into the area where Mandzukic recovered from a slip to meet it with his head.
He somehow generated enough power to get his effort on target, catching Shay Given by surprise.
After drawing a free kick from Vedran Corluka, Aid…