Player of the day: Maestro Pirlo Another solid performance from the Italy schemer, who set up Antonio Cassano with the first goal and was unmistakable in midfield for the Azzurri. Goal of the day: Balotelli volley Mario Balotelli made the headlines for the good reasons this time by scoring one of the goals of the tournament. However, the controversial striker was about to ruin it if it wasn't for his teammate Leonardo Bonucci! Moment of the day: Anxiety in Gdansk! As soon as the news came from Poznan that Italy had taken the lead against Ireland, Croatia and Spain knew that one of them will likely be out of the Euros. Croatia manager Slaven Bilic and his Spain counterpart Vicente Del Bosque couldn't hide the anxiety on their faces when cameras caught both of them at that moment, although the latter was relieved at last. Save of the day: Casillas and St. Ledger It had to be a double pick as Iker Casillas made a world-class save to make sure holders Spain go through while Ireland defender Sean St. Ledger made a terrific goal-line clearance with his backheel! Miss of the day: Rakitic couldn't beat Casillas It was an absolute moment of brilliance from Casillas, yet Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic was guilty of a big miss from close range. (video above) Manager decision: Torres out Spain coach Del Bosque took off his sole striker Fernando Torres, but the man who came on Jesus Navas rewarded his manager by scoring the all-important winner for the holders. Referee error: Croatia penalty, goal for Spain Renowned German ref Wolfgang Stark failed to spot a clear foul by Sergio Busquets on Croatia's Vedran Corluka inside the box, only for the Spaniards to hit the winner the next minute. Quote of the day: Bilic farewell “I may be leaving but I can assure you that you haven't seen the last of this Croatian side yet," departing Croatia coach Bilic after his side were agonizingly denied a place in the knockouts.
