A TWO goal blast in three second half minutes gave Croatia an unlikely victory over the highly-fancied Italians in the second set of Group G matches.
Despite going a goal down to a Christian Vieri header, Croatia were able to keep the unambitous Italians at bay and struck back.
First Ivica Olic got onto a Jarni cross at the back post on 73 minutes and then three minutes later Milan Rapaic put Croatia ahead.
His shot from the edge of the box spun off the shins of the Italian defender Materazzi and flew over the head of Buffon in goal.
The Italians had a good goal disallowed at 0-0, and then in injury time a long ball through the middle of the Croatian defence dribbled into the goal, but was ruled out for a push on a defender.
And Croatia held out to an onslaught on their goal from the Italians in the last ten minutes including an incredible free-kick from Totti that hit the post, ran behind the Croatian keeper and then past the foot of the other.
Full-time: Italy...1 Croatia...2
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article