Spain and Croatia's Euro 2012 futures' remain unclear after they entered the break 0-0 in their decisive Group C game in Gdansk tonight.
As expected, Spain had the majority of possession during the early stages but failed to convert their dominance into goalscoring chances.
Only Andreas Iniesta briefly threatened in the opening 20 minutes, but his prod following David Silva's precise through ball rolled harmlessly into Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa's hands.
Sensing a lack of cutting edge in attack, Spain centre halves Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique both tried their luck from range, but the former was denied by Pletikosa while the latter fired over the crossbar.
Croatia themselves had a couple of feeble efforts as three-goal striker Mario Mandzukic blazed over from Darjo Srna's cross after Danijel Pranjic's left-footed strike had earlier been saved comfortably by Iker Casillas.
As the half came to a close, Fernando Torres tested Pletikosa at his near post with a powerful shot from a tight angle.
A draw would put the pair through to the last eight should Italy fail to beat the Republic of Ireland, but Antonio Cassano's header has given the Azzuri a 1-0 half-time lead against Giovanni Trapattoni's side.
At present, Spain will progress at the expense of their opponents due to their superior goal difference, but a Croatia win would send the defending champions out.
Joe Fish
